Judge dismisses Justin Baldoni’s lawsuits against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and New York Times
A New York judge has made a significant ruling in the legal battle between actor Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni. The judge has dismissed Baldoni’s $400-million US defamation lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, as well as a $250-million US defamation suit against the New York Times for reporting on Lively’s claims of sexual harassment during the filming of the 2024 movie It Ends With Us.
Judge Lewis J. Liman granted the motions to dismiss the suits from Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, on Monday. He stated that Lively was not liable for the sexual misconduct claims against Baldoni, as they were made in a civil rights complaint and are legally protected. Liman also ruled that Baldoni’s claims that Lively stole creative control of the film did not count as extortion under California law.
In his written opinion, Liman noted that Baldoni and Wayfarer had not alleged Lively was liable for any other claims than the ones made in her civil suit filed in California in December. He also addressed the allegations of harassment made by both parties, stating that Reynolds, publicist Leslie Sloan, and the New York Times did not make statements beyond what Lively had alleged about Baldoni.
The judge allowed Baldoni to amend some of his claims and refile by June 23. Lively’s legal team celebrated the decision, calling it a total victory and a complete vindication for the actress. They expressed their intention to seek attorneys’ fees, treble damages, and punitive damages against Baldoni and others involved in the lawsuit.
It Ends With Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was released in August and exceeded box office expectations. However, the movie’s release was overshadowed by rumours of discord between Lively and Baldoni. Reports of tension on set and clashes between the two stars led to a public feud that culminated in legal battles and defamation lawsuits.
The legal drama unfolded with Lively filing a civil rights complaint against Baldoni, alleging inappropriate behavior and harassment. The New York Times article further fueled the controversy, leading to a series of lawsuits and counterclaims between the parties involved.
As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how the case will proceed and whether a resolution can be reached. The judge’s ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, shedding light on the complexities of defamation law and the challenges of navigating high-profile disputes in the entertainment industry.
