Justin Baldoni’s $400M Lawsuit Against Blake Lively Dismissed
Justin Baldoni’s significant $400 million lawsuit against co-star Blake Lively has been officially dismissed. A judge ruled this case, along with related claims, on October 31, 2023.
Details of the Lawsuit Dismissal
The lawsuit, originally filed by Baldoni against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times, was initially tossed out in June. Judge Lewis J. Liman indicated that Baldoni’s claims of extortion and defamation lacked sufficient evidence.
Baldoni asserted that Lively and Reynolds sought control over the film “It Ends With Us,” and attempted to discredit him through a damaging article. However, following a missed appeal deadline of October 17, Judge Liman issued a final ruling on Halloween.
Background of Legal Proceedings
Baldoni’s countersuit emerged in January 2023, after Lively filed a complaint against his company, Wayfarer Studios. She accused the studio of sexual harassment during filming. Lively’s legal team categorized Baldoni’s claims as retaliatory and insincere, expressing anticipation for pursuing damages.
- Claim Amount: $400 million
- Initial Ruling Date: June 2023
- Final Ruling Date: October 31, 2023
- Previous Accusation: Sexual harassment on set
Next Steps for Lively and Baldoni
Lively’s legal team is now seeking attorney fees and potential damages due to the dismissal of Baldoni’s lawsuit. They aim to present her case under the Protecting Survivors from Weaponised Defamation Lawsuits Act, a law enacted in California in 2023 to protect individuals from retaliatory legal actions.
This ongoing legal battle may continue, with Baldoni retaining the option to appeal the ruling in a higher court after a decision is made on Lively’s claims for legal costs.
Current Legal Situation
Despite Baldoni’s lost case, the overall conflict remains unresolved. Lively’s accusations against Baldoni are pending a hearing, expected to take place next spring in New York.
This situation draws attention to the complexities surrounding legal disputes in the entertainment industry, particularly related to allegations of harassment and defamation.
