Judge throws out Baldoni’s suit against Lively, but the case remains open to further legal action and continues to raise public questions.
A California judge has dismissed the $400 million defamation lawsuit filed by actor and director Justin Baldoni against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, in a legal battle that has shaken Hollywood since the release of It Ends With Us.
Baldoni alleged that the couple sought to “destroy his career” and wrest control of the film’s creative direction. However, the court ruled in favour of the actors, describing the suit as “baseless,” according to Lively’s legal team.
The conflict runs deeper. In December 2024, Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, claiming she faced retaliation for speaking out. The complaint included text messages between Baldoni and his team discussing plans to “bury her in the media.”
The ruling also shields The New York Times, which Baldoni had sued for $250 million over a key investigative report. The judge upheld the paper’s right to report on a matter of public interest, protected under legislation developed in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Lively expressed gratitude for the support she’s received, stating: “I’m more determined than ever to defend every woman’s right to protect her story and her dignity.”
Despite the legal victory, aspects of the case remain unclear to the public. Just days ago, Blake Lively withdrew her own lawsuit, citing “emotional exhaustion”—a move that casts doubt on the strength of the judge’s ruling. This has sparked speculation among some observers: Was there undue influence? Has silence—or justice—been bought? Or is there simply more to the story?
Baldoni has until 23 June to file a revised version of his lawsuit, focused on contractual interference and breach of the implied covenant of good faith. If unsuccessful, he may appeal to a Court of Appeal and, under exceptional circumstances, petition the US Supreme Court. However, the latter only accepts a very limited number of cases through a process known as writ of certiorari.
