Blake Lively Scores Major Win in Explosive Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni
The Hollywood feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken another dramatic turn — and this time, it’s a major legal win for Lively.
A federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against the actress, her husband Ryan Reynolds, publicist Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times. The lawsuit stemmed from Lively’s accusations that Baldoni, her co-star and director on the upcoming film It Ends With Us, sexually harassed her on set and retaliated when she pushed back. Baldoni has denied the claims, calling them a ploy for creative control.
But on June 9, Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that the statements made by Lively and her team were either protected speech or failed to meet the legal standard for defamation. Baldoni’s team now has until June 23 to amend and potentially refile.
Lively’s lawyers called the ruling a “complete vindication,” and signaled that they intend to seek damages against Baldoni and his production company.
As the case barrels toward a March 2026 trial, the battle between two of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces is far from over. But for now, the momentum appears firmly in Lively’s corner — and the courtroom drama is just heating up.
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Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
