Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively has been officially dismissed, ending a months-long legal battle. The ruling, which was entered on Friday, was confirmed by Fox News Digital, marking the formal closure of the case. Although the lawsuit is now dismissed, Lively’s motion to seek attorney’s fees has been granted, leaving the financial stakes intact as the amount remains undetermined. This means that as long as the court determines that Lively is entitled to legal fees, the financial showdown could continue. Baldoni has the option to appeal the ruling if the fees are decided in favor of Lively.
The case had initially been dismissed in June, but the latest ruling finalized the outcome. Baldoni had sued Lively for defamation, claiming she falsely accused him of sexual harassment during the aftermath of the ‘It Ends With Us’ press tour. The court’s decision, quoted in the ruling, stated that the Wayfarer Parties had not alleged any statements beyond those in Lively’s complaint, which are considered privileged. Additionally, the court highlighted that Baldoni’s other claims did not meet the legal requirements for defamation. This legal decision has now officially closed the lawsuit but left the financial repercussions of the case looming.
In a statement, Lively’s legal team called the outcome a ‘complete vindication,’ emphasizing that they believe the lawsuit was a deliberate attempt to damage Lively’s reputation. Their representatives, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, stated that they look forward to the next phase of the case, which includes seeking attorney fees, treble damages, and punitive damages from Baldoni and his legal associates. This suggests that while the lawsuit is dismissed, the financial aspects of the case are still very much in play, with potential for further legal action. The ruling has implications for how future defamation cases are handled, especially in high-profile cases involving celebrities.
Baldoni had previously filed an amended complaint but chose not to proceed with it by the October 31 deadline. His legal team had indicated that they were not willing to settle out of court, citing the severity of the allegations. Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni remains active, though she had withdrawn her emotional distress complaints. The two parties are now set to face off in court in 2026, which could see further legal developments in this ongoing case. As the case draws to a close, the financial implications of the legal fees dispute will continue to shape the outcomes for both involved parties.
The case highlights the complex and often financially draining nature of high-profile legal battles. While the lawsuit is dismissed, the financial implications remain a significant concern, particularly as the parties prepare for the next phase of their legal dispute. The ruling has been welcomed by Lively’s legal team as a victory, while Baldoni may now face the costs of the legal battle he initiated. The case serves as a reminder of the potential financial risks associated with litigating high-profile defamation claims, particularly in the entertainment industry. With the possibility of an appeal and further legal action, the outcome of this case could have long-term implications for both parties involved.