Blake Lively is pursuing $161 million in damages, claiming her reputation suffered significant harm due to a smear campaign linked to the release of It Ends With Us. The actress alleges this campaign severely affected her career and business ventures, with a trial set for March next year in Los Angeles.
Details of Financial and Reputational Losses Explained
Lively’s legal team contends she lost at least $56.2 million from acting, producing, public appearances, and brand endorsements because of the campaign. Furthermore, they assert her beauty brand, Blake Brown, incurred losses totaling $49 million, while her beverage company, initially named Betty Buzz and later rebranded as Betty Booze, sustained $22 million in damages tied to deteriorated public image.
Additionally, her attorneys estimate at least $34 million was lost due to reputational damage stemming from around 65 million negative social media impressions directed toward her.
Upcoming Trial and Legal Context Against Multiple Defendants
Lively’s lawsuit targets her co-star and director Justin Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, studio head Steve Sarowitz, and their publicists. She claims these parties orchestrated an online campaign of vitriol in response to her sexual harassment complaints made during filming. Initially filed on December 31, 2024, the complaint only mentioned damages above $75,000. However, a July disclosure revealed the substantially higher $161 million figure, with Lively’s attorneys also requesting punitive damages at least three times this amount.
The stated damages remain preliminary and will require expert testimony to substantiate them at trial.
Regarding the large sum, Gregory Doll, a Los Angeles-based attorney, commented,
You want to put a big enough number to get the other side concerned and want to settle.
—Gregory Doll, Lawyer, Doll Amir Eley
Counterclaims and Contribution of High-Profile Figures in Litigation
On the defense side, Justin Baldoni’s legal team claimed $400 million in damages from Lively, citing defamatory statements she made, although a judge dismissed this counter-suit in June, ruling defamation claims cannot arise from allegations made within another legal action.
The ongoing case involves a notable array of Hollywood figures and executives listed as potential witnesses, including Taylor Swift, Emily Blunt, Scooter Braun, Hugh Jackman, Gigi Hadid, Ari Emanuel, Sony Pictures chairman Tony Vinciquerra, and Sony film chief Tom Rothman. Despite this, few of these prominent individuals are expected to appear in court.
Taylor Swift’s role has been a focal point in legal disagreements, with Baldoni’s side unsuccessfully attempting to secure her deposition.
Implications of the Lawsuit and What Lies Ahead
This lawsuit highlights the high stakes and emotional toll public disputes in the entertainment industry can have when reputations and careers are at risk. Blake Lively’s substantial dollar figure and the range of defendants show the complex intersection of personal grievances and business interests. As the March trial approaches, the outcome could influence how harassment allegations and related public backlash are handled in Hollywood.
