The $ 400 million lawsuit was rejected by Justin Baldoni against Blake Lively – Ryan Reynolds
Justin Baldoni was defeated in his battle against Blake Lively following Judge Lewis J. Liman, announced on Monday, June 9, 2025, closing one of the most talked about legal fronts in Hollywood.
Baldoni had argued that Lively, Reynolds and the New York Times had plotted in a « slander campaign » in order to destroy his career following Lively’s complaints about sexual harassment against him during the filming of IT ENDS.
Judge Liman has ruled that Lively’s allegations, who were initially deposited in the California Political Rights Department and then published in the New York Times, were legally protected.
In addition, the judge ruled that Reynolds, Lively’s spokesman, Lesli Sloan, and the New York Times published statements that believed they were true, based on available information.
« Justification »
Blake Lively’s lawyers, Esra Hudson and Mike Gotlib, described the decision as « overall victory and complete justification » not only for Lively, but also for others who « Justin Baldon and Wayfarer Parties’ production company drove in the lawsuit ».
They also stated that they intend to claim costs and compensation from Baldoni and his companies, accusing them of « abusive lawsuit ».
In their statement, the Lively Legal Team shows determination to continue the legal battle to regain the costs resulting from their defense.
What does this mean for tomorrow
Although the judge rejected most of the Baldonian lawsuit, the actor and director the opportunity to modify and rearrange some of his allegations related to alleged intervention in contracts.
This means that, while the main lawsuit of slanderous defamation has been rejected, the Baldoni can still defend its position on the basis of any revised allegations.
The legal dispute between the two sides was intense and public, with the case even including the summons of Pop Taylor Swift star.
Taylor Swift and Blake Livel in Allegiant Stadium stands in Las Vegas, Nevada, just before the start of Super Bowl Lviii on February 11th 2024 Reuters/Mike Blake
Blake Lively had filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios in December 2024, claiming among other sexual harassment on the plate. Baldoni denied all the categories.
Today’s decision is an important victory for Blake Lively and her team. The rejection of the $ 400 million lawsuit removes a huge weight on its shoulders and reinforces its position in view of its own lawsuit for sexual harassment and retaliation.
For Justin Baldoni, the decision is an important blow. It is now significantly less likely to win the battle with the balance of legal conflict shifting in favor of Lively.
