Breaking News: Judge Rejects Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Countersuit Against Blake Lively—What It Means for Both Stars

A New York judge has recently dismissed Justin Baldoni’s hefty $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, his former co-star from the film It Ends with Us. This ongoing legal drama has stirred a lot of attention over the past few months, with a trial expected next year.

Judge Lewis Liman ruled against Baldoni’s countersuit, which included claims of extortion and defamation. The conflict began after Lively filed her own lawsuit, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. In December 2024, she alleged that she faced harassment on set and that Baldoni retaliated when she reported these incidents.

Lively’s complaint wasn’t just legal; she shared her experiences in a New York Times article, shedding light on the harassment she endured. In response, Baldoni targeted Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others linked to her, claiming they aimed to ruin his career.

The judge explained that Baldoni’s accusations fell short legally. He stated that Baldoni’s claims about Lively threatening to "steal the film" were more about negotiating working conditions than extortion. Also, Baldoni had not sufficiently shown that Lively’s statements amounted to defamation, as they stemmed from her legal suit, which is protected.

Furthermore, Judge Liman ruled that the New York Times acted appropriately when it published the story about the allegations. He noted that the newspaper had no apparent motive to favor Lively over Baldoni, indicating a balanced reporting approach.

In a statement, Lively’s lawyers celebrated the ruling, calling it a significant victory not just for her but for others involved in this tumultuous case. Lively expressed solidarity with those who face similar lawsuits, stating, “Like many, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit.” She emphasized her commitment to advocating for women’s voices in these tough battles.

Baldoni does have the chance to amend his allegations related to contract interference by June 23, allowing room for further legal maneuvers. Meanwhile, Lively recently opted to withdraw two claims from her suit about emotional distress, further complicating the ongoing legal saga.

It Ends with Us, based on a popular novel by Colleen Hoover, features Lively in a complex role, portraying the effects of domestic abuse she experienced in her youth. This situation reflects broader conversations about workplace harassment, making it relevant not only in Hollywood but beyond. The #MeToo movement has highlighted the struggles many face when they speak out, and incidents like this one fuel ongoing discussions about accountability and support for victims.

Amidst this turmoil, the film remains a poignant reminder of the struggles many endure, making it much more than just a story on screen.

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