Judge dismisses Justin Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively

In the United States, a significant legal battle unfolded between actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, revolving around accusations of sexual harassment and defamation. This conflict began in December 2024, when Blake Lively filed a civil rights complaint, claiming that, during the production of their film 'It Ends With Us,' Baldoni had sexually harassed her and retaliated against her for speaking out. Following this, Lively escalated her complaint into a lawsuit aimed at holding Baldoni accountable for the alleged harassment and for orchestrating a smear campaign against her to ruin her reputation. Baldoni firmly denied her accusations, alleging that Lively falsely accused him in an effort to salvage her own public image, which had been damaged due to the film's promotion. In January 2025, Baldoni filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, seeking $400 million in damages. He accused them of attempts to destroy his career by manipulating media narratives. The lawsuits escalated along with public exchanges and press releases from both parties, leading to heightened media attention and public speculation about their on-set dynamics during the filming of 'It Ends With Us.' Tensions were further exacerbated when Lively's legal team called Baldoni's countersuit a 'sham' intended solely for public relations purposes, while Baldoni’s team sought to portray Lively's claims as an orchestrated attack against him. On June 9, 2025, the judge ultimately dismissed Baldoni's defamation lawsuit, asserting that Lively's statements in her civil rights complaint were legally protected and not defamatory. Furthermore, the court ruled that Baldoni failed to prove that the subsequent statements made by Reynolds, Lively's publicist Leslie Sloane, and the New York Times were made with malice or disregard for their truthfulness. Although the judge dismissed the main claims against Lively and others, Baldoni was allowed to amend some allegations related to tortious interference with contract by June 23. Following the dismissal, Lively's legal team celebrated the decision as a major victory, reinforcing their position that Baldoni’s case had no legal merit and asserting that they would seek recovery of attorney fees along with potential punitive damages. This dismissal exemplifies the legal complexities that arise in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, as well as the potential consequences for public figures embroiled in such lawsuits. The unfolding saga cannot be understated, as it reflects deeper issues surrounding workplace safety, accountability, and the impact of public persona in Hollywood’s intricate power dynamics. Both actors have now indicated a willingness to continue their legal battle, revealing that the dispute is far from over as the litigation moves into new phases. As both sides prepare for what could be further legal maneuvers, the entertainment industry watches closely, aware that such legal disputes carry significant implications for all involved.