In a significant legal decision, a judge has dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. This ruling marks a critical moment in the ongoing civil dispute involving Baldoni, who accused the couple of attempting to ruin his career following controversies surrounding their film, It Ends With Us, in which they both starred.
Baldoni’s lawsuit claimed that Lively and Reynolds conspired to "destroy" him, escalating ongoing tensions from the film’s production. In January of this year, he initiated legal action against the pair, asserting that their actions had detrimental effects on his professional life.
Responding to the judge’s verdict, Lively’s legal team described the ruling as a "total victory" and a "complete vindication," arguing that Baldoni’s claims were baseless from the outset. The court also acknowledged a motion to dismiss filed by the New York Times, for which Baldoni sought $250 million for alleged libel, asserting that an article about the legal disputes was filled with inaccuracies based on Lively’s narrative.
While the judge allowed Baldoni the opportunity to file an amended complaint regarding claims of tortious interference and breach of contract by Lively and Reynolds, it is essential to note that the court did not evaluate the merits of Baldoni’s accusations. Instead, it found that Lively’s harassment claims were protected by law, related to legislation enacted in response to the #MeToo movement. This protection meant that Lively’s claims could not serve as the basis for a defamation lawsuit.
The situation first arose in December 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the film’s production and claimed she faced retaliation after raising concerns about her treatment. Baldoni has denied these allegations. Lively later escalated her complaint into a formal lawsuit, which has since become embroiled in accusations and counterclaims.
The New York Times distinguished itself in this affair, asserting that their reporting on the situation was fair and necessary for public interest. Their representatives expressed gratitude to the court for rejecting what they termed a meritless lawsuit designed to hinder impartial journalism.
As these legal battles unfold, Baldoni’s team has been active in releasing information about the case, including texts and purported timelines linked to Lively’s claims. Observations of their professional rift surfaced during the film’s promotional activities, revealing the complexities and tensions that characterized the production of It Ends With Us, a story touching on sensitive subjects such as domestic violence.