Blake Lively publicly addressed her experience after a federal judge threw out Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation case against her, describing the ordeal as one marked by pain and what she called “manufactured shame.” This Blake Lively response after Justin Baldoni lawsuit dismissal shines a light on retaliation faced by women defending their own safety, and Lively’s continued commitment to advocacy.
Blake Lively Reflects on Lawsuit’s Toll and Advocacy
Following the court’s dismissal, Lively made a rare statement on social media about the emotional strain linked to the legal battle, calling out the attempts to impose shame on those who stand up for themselves. Lively referenced her participation with nearly twenty advocacy groups working together to defend women’s rights and to support people targeted for speaking out.
“Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organizations united in defending women’s rights to speak up for their safety. Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back,”
—Blake Lively, Actress
She further emphasized her resolve, explaining that the legal victory only strengthened her dedication to supporting others in similar positions, and encouraged her audience to seek out support from specific advocacy organizations.
“I’m more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman’s right to have a voice in protecting themselves, including their safety, their integrity, their dignity and their story. There are protections out there. Check out some of the incredible organizations below for resources and information.”
—Blake Lively, Actress
List of Advocacy Organizations Highlighted by Lively
Blake Lively used her platform to share resources with women who may be facing retaliation or harassment. She tagged organizations such as California Employment Lawyers Association, California Women’s Law Center, CHILD USA, the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, Equal Rights Advocates, Esperanza United, Her Justice, Herunivercity Inc., National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Organization for Women, National Organization for Women NYC, New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, New York Cyber Abuse Task Force, New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition, Sanctuary for Families, Urban Resource Institute, Women’s Equal Justice, and Women’s Justice NOW. These groups focus on supporting survivors, legal reforms for victims, and educating women on their rights.
Lively expressed deep gratitude to supporters, both known and unknown, and reinforced her ongoing advocacy.
“With love and gratitude for the many who stood by me, many of you I know. Many of you I don’t. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.”
—Blake Lively, Actress
Details of Lawsuit Dismissal and Legal Protections
U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Justin Baldoni’s high-profile lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and the New York Times, which had published reports on Lively’s allegations involving sexual harassment and retaliatory actions by Baldoni in December. The judge wrote about the way the Times handled evidence and reported the story.
“The alleged facts indicate that the Times reviewed the available evidence and reported, perhaps in a dramatized manner, what it believed to have happened,”
—Lewis J. Liman, U.S. District Judge
Lively had filed to dismiss the case in March, arguing protection under a 2023 California law signed by Gavin Newsom after the #MeToo movement, safeguarding those making sexual harassment or assault claims from retaliatory lawsuits.
Her legal team, including Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, issued a response after the ruling.
“Today’s opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively,”
—Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Lawyers for Blake Lively
“This ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it.”
—Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Lawyers for Blake Lively
Ongoing Impact and the Path Forward
The dismissal not only highlights the legal protections provided by recent legislative efforts driven by Gavin Newsom and others, but underscores the risk and resilience involved when high-profile individuals such as Blake Lively take a stand. Groups like the National Organization for Women, Sanctuary for Families, and CHILD USA continue their work helping victims navigate challenges that often come with speaking out.
The outcome in this case may encourage more women to seek help from noted organizations, as Lively’s own experience and advocacy spotlight the continued obstacles and necessary support for survivors facing intimidation or backlash.
