A judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's US$400-million defamation lawsuit against his "It Ends With Us" co-star Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds. The judge ruled that Lively's accusations of sexual harassment were legally protected, making them exempt from libel claims. The lawsuit, which also named publicist Leslie Sloane and The New York Times, was called a "sham" and "retaliatory" by Lively's lawyers.
Justin Baldoni’s $400M lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds dismissed
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A judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's US$400-million defamation lawsuit against his "It Ends With Us" co-star Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds. The judge ruled that Lively's accusations of sexual harassment were legally protected, making them exempt from libel claims. The lawsuit, which also named publicist Leslie Sloane and The New York Times, was called a "sham" and "retaliatory" by Lively's lawyers.
Trending- 1 January (2025): Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios file $400M lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times.
- 2 Same day (January 2025): Blake Lively sues Baldoni and others for harassment and retaliation.
- 3 Late March (2025): Lively asks judge to dismiss Baldoni's countersuit.
- 4 Monday (June 9, 2025): Judge Lewis J. Liman dismisses Baldoni's defamation claim.
- 5 June 23 (2025): Deadline for Baldoni's legal team to amend complaint for other claims.
- 6 March 2026: Current trial date for Lively and Baldoni.
- Dismissal of a major defamation lawsuit
- Vindication for Blake Lively and co-defendants
- Potential for Lively to seek legal fees and damages from Baldoni
- Ongoing legal battle (amended complaint, future trial)
What: Justin Baldoni's US$400-million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times has been dismissed by a judge. The judge ruled that Lively's sexual harassment accusations against Baldoni were legally protected under California law, thus exempt from libel claims. The lawsuit also included claims of extortion and tortious interference.
When: Dismissal occurred Monday (June 9, 2025). Lawsuit filed in January (2025). Lively's countersuit filed same day as Baldoni's suit against NYT. Lively asked for dismissal in late March. Trial set for March 2026.
Where: Federal court in New York (Manhattan federal court).
Why: Baldoni filed the lawsuit seeking damages for alleged defamation and to "set the record straight" after Lively accused him of sexual harassment and a campaign to attack her reputation. Lively's lawyers argued the lawsuit was retaliatory and an abuse of the legal process, protected by laws safeguarding sexual harassment accusers.
How: Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed the lawsuit, finding Lively's statements legally protected. Baldoni's legal team has a deadline of June 23 to amend the complaint for other claims. Lively's lawyers plan to seek attorneys' fees, treble damages, and punitive damages.