Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Lawsuit Against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds
In a major legal win for Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, a federal judge throws out Justin Baldoni’s defamation suit, citing lack of evidence and protected speech.
Table of Contents
Los Angeles, June 9: In a ruling that could shape how Hollywood handles high-stakes disputes moving forward, a U.S. federal judge has dismissed Justin Baldoni’s massive $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times, bringing one part of this fiery legal feud to a grinding halt.
The Lawsuit That Stirred Hollywood
It began as a promising adaptation—It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestseller, with Justin Baldoni directing and sharing screen space with Blake Lively. But as filming wrapped in 2024, the off-camera drama overshadowed the movie itself.
Lively alleged she faced unwanted advances and inappropriate behavior on set, later filing a civil rights complaint detailing what she described as a pattern of harassment and retaliation. Her complaint landed hard, with specifics—allegations of Baldoni entering her trailer uninvited and making deeply personal comments. His denial was swift and categorical.
What followed, however, wasn’t just a public fallout—it turned into a multi-pronged legal battle. By January, Baldoni filed a countersuit accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of orchestrating a “smear campaign” aimed at ruining his reputation and derailing his creative control over the film.
Why The Judge Tossed It Out
On Monday, Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled in favor of the defendants, stating that Lively’s original complaint was legally protected speech. He further noted that Baldoni failed to provide credible proof of “actual malice,” which is a required standard in defamation cases involving public figures.
Baldoni’s accusation that The New York Times colluded with Lively to twist the facts also didn’t hold. The judge made it clear that the Times’ article, critical though it may have been, did not rise to the level of actionable libel. It was based on documents, direct quotes, and verified sources.
Also dismissed? Claims of civil extortion, which Baldoni said stemmed from threats that private communications would be leaked if he didn’t cooperate with Lively’s version of events. The judge, however, called it more of a heated negotiation than anything criminal.
What Lively’s Lawyers Had To Say
Lively’s legal team—Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb—didn’t mince words after the verdict. In a joint statement, they called it “a total victory” and accused Baldoni’s lawsuit of being little more than legal posturing meant to discredit a woman for speaking out.
They also signaled they aren’t done. With this round over, they plan to seek attorney’s fees and potentially punitive damages, characterizing Baldoni’s suit as a deliberate misuse of the court system.
Where This Leaves Justin Baldoni
While most of his claims are now officially off the table, Baldoni has been given a small window to regroup. The judge has allowed him until June 23 to refile two narrow claims: one for breach of implied contract involving Lively, and another for tortious interference against Lively and Reynolds.
Legal experts say that unless Baldoni presents stronger evidence, those claims too may not survive. And with public opinion already leaning against him, any further litigation could come at the cost of goodwill—both from fans and within the industry.
A Timeline Of Allegations And Fallout
The core of this battle goes back to December 2024, when Lively’s complaint first surfaced. It included dozens of screenshots and text messages allegedly showing Baldoni’s PR advisors discussing strategies to “bury her” in the press.
Soon after, a detailed investigative piece by The New York Times examined her claims. That article, now at the heart of the libel portion of Baldoni’s lawsuit, included internal correspondence from Baldoni’s team. He claimed it was taken out of context—courts disagreed.
During this time, several high-profile names came out in support of Lively. Colleen Hoover, the author of the novel, praised Lively’s courage. Even Lively’s long-time friends from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants were quietly seen backing her.
At one point, Baldoni’s team went so far as to subpoena Taylor Swift, alleging she’d been threatened by Lively over text to support her narrative. That subpoena was quietly withdrawn.
What’s Still On The Horizon
This isn’t the end of the story. While Baldoni’s countersuit may have been dismantled, Lively’s original complaint is headed to trial in March 2026. That case will examine in detail the environment on set and whether Baldoni’s behavior crossed legal lines.
And that’s the part that many in the entertainment world are watching. It’s not just about two celebrities locked in legal battle—it’s about how far accountability can stretch, and whether a woman’s voice can survive the pressure of a powerful counter-narrative.
Why This Case Matters
In a post-#MeToo Hollywood, this ruling sends a message—both about the strength of legally protected speech and the limits of retaliatory lawsuits. While the full truth may still unfold in court next year, for now, Blake Lively has won a crucial round.
And as cameras eventually roll again for another red carpet or press junket, this case remains a quiet, cautionary tale behind the industry’s glamor.
New Jersey Times Is Your Source: The Latest In Politics, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, And Twitter To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Do Checkout Our Telegram Channel @Njtdotcom For Latest Updates.
