Blake Lively achieved a major legal success this week as a judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against her, ending months of high-profile court conflict. The Blake Lively legal victory over Justin Baldoni comes after a turbulent year for the actress, who expressed deep emotional relief as details of the judge’s decision were made public.
Emotional Revelations After the Judge’s Dismissal
The legal standoff began in December 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment by Baldoni during the filming of It Ends With Us, where both were cast in lead roles. In response, Baldoni, who served as both actor and director, countersued for $400 million, accusing Lively and her husband of trying to seize control of the film from him. With the latest ruling, the judge rejected Baldoni’s claims, a move that brought a visible sense of relief to Lively and those close to her.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, a source close to the situation described Lively’s reaction:
“Complete elation from Blake’s world and a monkey off her back,”
the insider said.
“Blake is breathing a sigh of relief right now, and all tears are happy tears.”
Key Reasons for the Legal Dismissal
Judge Lewis Liman provided an extensive explanation as to why Justin Baldoni’s countersuit was thrown out of court. Central to his ruling was the statement that all allegations Lively made were confined to privileged court documents, making them protected under law.
Judge Liman stated,
“The Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Lively is responsible for any statements other than the statements in her CRD complaint, which are privileged,”
adding,
“The Wayfarer Parties have alleged that Reynolds and [publicist Leslie] Sloane made additional statements accusing Baldoni of sexual misconduct and that the Times made additional statements accusing the Wayfarer Parties of engaging in a smear campaign.”
However, the judge further clarified that,
“But the Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Reynolds, Sloane, or the Times would have seriously doubted these statements were true based on the information available to them, as is required for them to be liable for defamation under applicable law.”
He concluded with,
“The Wayfarer Parties’ additional claims also fail. Accordingly, the Amended Complaint must be dismissed in its entirety.”
Possibility for an Amended Filing
While Judge Liman dismissed the countersuit, he noted that The New York Times did not show any clear bias during coverage of Lively’s lawsuit.
“The Times reviewed the available evidence and reported, perhaps in a dramatized manner, what it believed to have happened. The Times had no obvious motive to favor Lively’s version of events,”
Liman noted in his remarks.
However, the ruling leaves the door open for Baldoni and other parties involved—referred to as the Wayfarer Parties—to try again. Judge Liman specified they may submit a second amended complaint by June 23, 2025. Yet, any such amendment is expressly limited to
“relevant to the claims of tortious interference with contract and breach of implied covenant.”
Lively’s Legal Team Celebrates the Decision
Blake Lively’s attorneys responded to the court’s decision by labeling it a comprehensive success for their client and others affected by the drawn-out battle. Reflecting on the protracted legal challenges, they declared:
“As we have said from day one, this ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it.”
They further stated,
“We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys’ fees, treble damages, and punitive damages against Baldoni, Sarowitz, Nathan, and the other Wayfarer Parties who perpetrated this abusive litigation.”
A Year Marked by Emotional Struggle
The court saga took a visible emotional toll on Blake Lively throughout the year, something she admitted during a May appearance on Seth Meyers’ late-night show. There, she alluded to the impact of the legal proceedings on her personal life.
“What I can say without going too into it is that this year has been the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in my life and I see so many women around afraid to speak, especially right now, afraid to share their experiences, and fear is by design,”
Lively told Meyers.
Emphasizing her commitment to using her voice, Lively continued,
“It’s what keeps us silent. But I also acknowledge that many people don’t have the opportunity to speak.”
She added,
“So I do feel fortunate that I’ve been able to, and as a woman, you have the ability to use your voice – that’s kept me strong and helped me in my belief and my fight for the world to be safer for women and girls. It’s a pretty simple thing.”
What Comes Next in the Legal Dispute
With the judge’s dismissal delivering a significant win for Lively, the focus now shifts to whether Baldoni and his legal team will attempt to amend their complaint ahead of the June 2025 deadline. Meanwhile, Lively’s lawyers are gearing up to pursue legal costs and possible damages from those behind the failed lawsuit.
This courtroom outcome marks a turning point in a saga closely followed by entertainment law observers and fans alike, underlining the intense personal and professional stakes involved for everyone connected—from lead actors and directors to legal teams and the broader film industry.
