On June 9, 2025, a federal judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, marking a significant turn in their high-profile legal battle.
According to People, Judge Lewis J. Liman also threw out Baldoni’s $250 million libel suit against The New York Times, ruling that the claims lacked sufficient evidence.
Justin Baldoni's $400 Million Countersuit Against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Dismissed by Judge https://t.co/hwcPIIzv45
— People (@people) June 9, 2025The lawsuit followed Lively’s December 2024 complaint to the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni, her It Ends With Us co-star and director, of sexual harassment on set. Baldoni’s January 2025 countersuit alleged that Lively, Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane defamed him, claiming their statements and a Times article accusing his Wayfarer Studios of a smear campaign caused reputational harm.
Judge Liman ruled that Lively’s statements in her complaint were privileged and that Baldoni failed to prove Reynolds, Sloane, or the Times knowingly made false statements, a requirement for defamation under New York law. Baldoni’s team has until June 23 to amend claims for breach of contract and tortious interference.
Justin Baldoni Loses Legal War With Blake Lively, Lawsuits Dismissed | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/NvWApYbvp8
— TMZ (@TMZ) June 9, 2025Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, hailed the dismissal as a “total victory,” vowing to pursue attorneys’ fees and punitive damages, per Page Six. Baldoni’s representatives did not respond to comment requests. Social media reactions were mixed, with some users supporting Lively’s vindication while others questioned the case’s complexity.
The dispute, rooted in tensions during the 2024 filming of It Ends With Us, has drawn scrutiny over Hollywood’s handling of harassment allegations. Legal experts note the dismissal strengthens Lively’s position but leaves room for amended claims, per Variety.
