A judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's $400m defamation claim against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, finding Lively's sexual harassment accusations against Baldoni were legally protected. The lawsuit, which included extortion claims, was dismissed, though Baldoni can refile some allegations regarding contract interference. A separate $250m defamation claim against the New York Times was also dismissed due to 'fair report' privilege. The dispute centers on Lively and Reynolds' claims of sexual harassment by Baldoni on the set of 'It Ends with Us' and a subsequent smear campaign.
Justin Baldoni’s $400m defamation claim against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds dismissed
Blake LivelyUnited StatesRyan ReynoldsCultureNew YorkLaw (US)
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's $400m defamation claim against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, finding Lively's sexual harassment accusations against Baldoni were legally protected. The lawsuit, which included extortion claims, was dismissed, though Baldoni can refile some allegations regarding contract interference. A separate $250m defamation claim against the New York Times was also dismissed due to 'fair report' privilege. The dispute centers on Lively and Reynolds' claims of sexual harassment by Baldoni on the set of 'It Ends with Us' and a subsequent smear campaign.
Trending- 1 Lively and Reynolds allege sexual harassment by Baldoni on 'It Ends with Us' set and a smear campaign.
- 2 Baldoni files $400m defamation claim against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, and a $250m defamation claim against the New York Times, alleging conspiracy.
- 3 Monday, June 9, 2025: US district judge Lewis Liman dismisses Baldoni's claims.
- 4 Lively's lawyers issue a statement celebrating the 'total victory' and plan to seek further damages.
- 5 Baldoni's attorneys have not commented.
- 6 Ruling can be appealed to the US second circuit court.
- Lawsuit dismissed
- Baldoni can amend and refile some claims regarding interference with contracts
- Lively's lawyers plan to seek attorneys' fees, treble damages, and punitive damages against Baldoni
What: A judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's $400m defamation claim against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, and a $250m defamation claim against the New York Times. The dismissal was based on legal protection for Lively's sexual harassment accusations and 'fair report' privilege for the newspaper. Baldoni can amend and refile some allegations regarding interference with contracts.
When: Monday (June 9, 2025)
Where: New York, United States
Why: Lively's accusations of sexual harassment against Baldoni were legally protected, and the New York Times' reporting was protected under 'fair report' privilege. Baldoni's claims of conspiracy to destroy his career were not sufficiently supported.
How: US district judge Lewis Liman issued the ruling, dismissing the claims.