In a new development, Actress Blake Lively has requested a U.S. judge to throw out actor Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit. Lively’s legal team described Baldoni’s lawsuit as a “vengeful” attempt to manipulate the federal courts after Lively accused him of sexual harassment. The filing in Manhattan federal court labels Baldoni’s lawsuit as part of a “sinister campaign” aimed at silencing Lively for speaking out against sexual harassment and retaliation. Lively is seeking triple and punitive damages for reputational and emotional harm caused by Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and other parties. The feud between Lively and Baldoni escalated when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of the 2024 movie “It Ends With Us,” which Baldoni both co-starred in and directed. Litigation ensued after Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department and initiated her own lawsuit in Manhattan federal court. Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios counteracted with a $400 million lawsuit, accusing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, the New York Times, and others of conducting a smear campaign to extort him. The lawsuit also targeted the New York Times over its article “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine” from December 21, 2024. Lively’s legal team argued for a dismissal of Baldoni’s lawsuit, citing California law that prevents legal action based on public discussions of sexual harassment. They contended that Lively genuinely believed she was mistreated and Baldoni failed to prove actual malice on her part. The lawyers highlighted text messages from Baldoni as evidence, accusing Lively of being convinced of her righteousness and injustice, supported by a publicist’s affirmation. Lively’s lawyers condemned Baldoni’s lawsuit as an abuse of the legal process and stated that it has increased his liabilities. A trial is scheduled for March 2026, with Reynolds also seeking a dismissal from Baldoni’s lawsuit on the grounds that his remarks were constitutionally protected opinions. The New York Times maintained that its article was journalistic in nature and not aimed at assisting either party.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan, handling both lawsuits, has indicated that Baldoni is unlikely to succeed in his case against the Times. Despite receiving mixed reviews, “It Ends With Us” grossed over $351 million globally, as reported by Box Office Mojo. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang)
