
Bombshell Ruling: Judge Tosses Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Lawsuit Against Blake Lively and The New York Times
2025-06-09
Author: Wai
A Major Legal Setback for Justin Baldoni
In a stunning twist in the high-profile drama unfolding in Hollywood, a federal judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's hefty $400 million lawsuit aimed at his former co-star Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and the renowned New York Times.
The Controversy Surrounding 'It Ends With Us'
This ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman from the U.S. District Court in Manhattan marks a significant turning point in the ongoing legal saga tied to the upcoming film "It Ends With Us" slated for release in 2024. Baldoni, who both directs and stars in the film, initially filed suit in January, claiming Lively and Reynolds were attempting to ruin his reputation by leveling allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Allegations and Accusations Fly
Baldoni's lawsuit accused the couple of orchestrating a smear campaign following accusations from Lively, who alleged that Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath engaged in harassment on set. Lively's complaints were publicly documented in a legal filing with the California Civil Rights Department, which Baldoni insists mischaracterized interactions between them.
A Web of Legal Entanglements
Lively filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni shortly after he went public, intensifying the media frenzy with fans and tabloids obsessively dissecting the unfolding feud. The drama escalated even further when pop icon Taylor Swift was drawn into the fray. Baldoni’s legal team initially subpoenaed Swift, claiming she had pressured him regarding script changes. However, the subpoena was later withdrawn, and Swift had no involvement with the film, as confirmed by her representative.
Dismissal Highlights Key Legal Points
In his ruling, Judge Liman pointed out that Baldoni's claims of extortion and defamation lacked substantial evidence. He concluded that the actress's demands for greater safety measures on set did not constitute wrongful extortion. Furthermore, Judge Liman noted that Baldoni failed to prove Lively's comments, made during her civil complaint, were defamatory, as they fall under legal privilege.
Victory for Lively and the Times
Following the ruling, Lively's legal team celebrated the decision as a decisive triumph, emphasizing the vindication of both the actress and those drawn into Baldoni’s lawsuit. The New York Times echoed this sentiment, asserting that the lawsuit had been a frivolous attempt to suppress truthful reporting. They stressed their commitment to covering a story of public significance.
Could the Battle Resume?
Despite the dismissal of his primary claims, Judge Liman allowed Baldoni’s legal team the opportunity to amend their complaints regarding contractual obligations with Lively, leaving the door open for future legal battles. As the Hollywood world watches closely, the unfolding saga raises questions about the dynamics of creativity, accountability, and the complexities of star-studded collaborations.