Blake Lively notched another important Blake Lively lawsuit victory following a judge‘s dismissal of $400 million in counterclaims tied to the ongoing legal dispute over the film adaptation of ‘It Ends With Us.’ The latest developments, unfolding just after the June 23 amendment deadline passed unaddressed, leave director Justin Baldoni’s case in a tenuous state and reflect shifting dynamics for all parties involved.
Major Counterclaims Dismissed as Legal Struggle Intensifies
In the latest blow to Justin Baldoni, the judge previously allowed him the chance to amend four out of seven complaint counts regarding his conflict with Lively and others, but he did not submit any new filings by the stated deadline. As a result, the central $400 million defamation suit naming Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times has now been dismissed, signaling significant progress for Lively’s defense team, including her legal representatives and key partnerships.
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, responded by stating that his client
will be pursuing additional legal options
against Lively. —Bryan Freedman, Attorney
Despite the strong public comments from Baldoni’s camp, the dismissal by the court means that what remains is a legal contest over Lively’s harassment and smear campaign claims against Baldoni, rather than the comprehensive counteraction he originally launched. The loss of these major claims raises the question of whether Baldoni’s side can sustain their efforts against opponents with more resources and broader support.
Discovery Process and Competing Narratives
Now, the battleground has narrowed. Baldoni is left to fight Lively’s allegations relating to harassment and alleged attempts to damage her public image. In an attempt to support his defense, Baldoni’s legal team sought access to Lively’s communications with singer Taylor Swift, believing messages about the movie adaptation might help his position. The presiding judge granted Baldoni the right to review these materials if relevant to the production of ‘It Ends With Us,’ although efforts to formally subpoena Swift were eventually abandoned as her circle resisted involvement.
The reason for Baldoni’s decision not to amend his suit is debated. Supporters of Lively argue that the judge’s decision left nothing meaningful for Baldoni to pursue, effectively trapping him and his team. Conversely, those backing Baldoni see the situation as a stark financial mismatch, with Lively and her team appearing to hold greater resources and influence. The fact that Baldoni hasn’t filed further claims and faces daunting legal and financial odds has deepened the perception of this case as a test of resolve and staying power.
Lively’s Camp Celebrates Legal Win, Eyes Upcoming Trial
In the wake of the $400 million suit being dismissed, Lively’s representation publicly highlighted the ruling in their favor, saying,
The Court dismissed the frivolous $400 million Baldoni-Wayfarer lawsuit in its entirety. In the days that followed, Baldoni’s lawyer said the judge’s decision to dismiss their case was not a big deal as they promised to amend and refile it. As per usual, that was not true. The Court’s dismissal of Baldoni’s lawsuit was a total victory after all.
—Lively’s Representative
Although the defamation and related counterclaims are off the docket, Lively’s own lawsuit against Baldoni remains active, and the parties continue to spar within the procedural boundaries set by the court. The high-profile case is currently scheduled for trial in March 2026, and signs suggest that both Lively and her legal team are preparing vigorously to present their arguments in court, with little indication of an imminent negotiated settlement.
Current Status and Potential Impacts of the Lawsuit
The dismissal of the major financial claims has shifted the lawsuit into a state of uncertainty, with remaining battles focused on harassment allegations and questions around orchestrated reputational attacks. The involvement of well-known figures such as Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift has drawn added attention, yet the absence of further amended filings from Baldoni may curtail his side’s influence over the direction of the dispute.
As proceedings continue, the ‘It Ends With Us’ case stands as a high-stakes, contentious clash, with the court’s ruling widely viewed as a critical win for Lively. Legal experts and observers will be watching how each side responds as the trial date approaches, assessing whether tactical shifts, public declarations, or strategic alliances will determine the ultimate outcome in this celebrated and highly emotional battle.
