Blake Lively Speaks Out After Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Lawsuit

New York, USA, June 10, 2025 – Blake Lively has shared her relief after a federal judge dismissed a $400 million lawsuit filed by her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The ruling marks a turning point in a heated legal battle that began with Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment on the film’s set. Here’s a breakdown of the case, Lively’s response, and what’s next for this Hollywood drama.

How the Fight Started

The dispute unfolded over months:

• 2024 Claims: In December, Lively filed a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios, of sexual harassment and retaliation during It Ends With Us filming. She later sued in New York, alleging a smear campaign to silence her.
• Baldoni’s Response: In January 2025, Baldoni countersued for $400 million, targeting Lively, Ryan Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times. He claimed they defamed him, extorted him, and tried to ruin his career with false accusations.
• Public Divide: The feud split fans, with some backing Lively’s courage and others questioning her motives.

The clash has kept It Ends With Us in the headlines.

The Judge’s Decision

On June 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled:

• Lawsuit Dismissed: Baldoni’s $400 million claims against Lively, Reynolds, Sloane, and a $250 million suit against The New York Times were thrown out. The judge said Lively’s harassment claims were legally protected speech.
• No Extortion: Baldoni failed to prove Lively’s set demands were extortion, viewing them as workplace negotiations.
• Limited Refiling: Baldoni can amend claims about contract interference by June 23, but defamation charges won’t stand.

The ruling was a major win for Lively and her team.

Blake Lively’s Words

Lively broke her silence online:

• On social media, she wrote, “This fight took a toll, like it does for so many who face retaliation for speaking out. I’m grateful for the support and will keep standing up for safety and respect.”
• She thanked fans and listed groups supporting women’s rights and workplace fairness, urging others to speak up.

Her message struck a chord with supporters.

Her Lawyers’ Take

Lively’s legal team celebrated:

• Attorneys called the dismissal “a clear victory” that exposed Baldoni’s suit as baseless.
• They plan to pursue legal fees, triple damages, and punitive penalties against Baldoni, Wayfarer, and others involved in the countersuit.

The team is gearing up for the next phase.

What’s Still in Play

The legal saga isn’t over:

• Baldoni’s Chance: He has until June 23 to refile claims about contract interference, though his defamation case is closed.
• Lively’s Suit: Lively’s original harassment lawsuit against Baldoni continues, though she dropped two emotional distress claims to focus her case.
• Industry Eyes: Hollywood is watching, as the case shapes how harassment claims are handled.

Both sides remain locked in court.

The Film’s Shadow

It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel about domestic violence, hit theaters in August 2024. Despite the off-screen drama:

• The movie earned strong box office numbers, pulling in millions globally.
• The legal battle has fueled debate about its themes, with some praising Lively’s advocacy and others focusing on the feud.

The film’s success and controversy are intertwined.

Why It Matters

The ruling is more than a celebrity spat:

• It reinforces legal protections for those reporting harassment, especially under California laws shielding accusers from retaliation.
• Lively’s win may encourage others in Hollywood to come forward, though the emotional and financial costs remain high.
• The case highlights how public narratives, amplified by media and social media, shape high-profile disputes.

This moment could ripple through the industry.