Blake Lively Wins Legal Battle As Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s $400M Defamation Suit – Deets Inside

In a major legal blow, actor and director Justin Baldoni’s lawsuits against actress Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times have been dismissed by a U.S. judge. Baldoni had filed two lawsuits asking for $400 million and $250 million, claiming defamation, extortion, and damage to his reputation.

Justin Baldoni’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Blake Lively Thrown Out by Judge

According to Reuters, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed the cases on June 9. The judge ruled that Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, did not show enough evidence that the defendants acted with “actual malice”—which is necessary to prove defamation.

Judge Liman added that Blake Lively’s comments were made as part of an official legal complaint, so they are protected by law. The claims against Reynolds, Sloane, and The New York Times were also rejected because they were not strong enough under legal standards.

However, the judge has allowed Baldoni’s legal team to revise and refile parts of the case by June 23, especially those related to alleged contract interference and bad faith.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blake Lively (@blakelively)

This case began after Blake Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during filming of It Ends With Us in 2024—an allegation he denies. After her complaint, Baldoni sued her for defamation, claiming she lied and damaged his career.

Though this ruling dismisses Baldoni’s current lawsuits, the legal fight isn’t over. A trial involving Lively and Baldoni is set for March 2026, where both will appear in court.

The film It Ends With Us received mixed reviews but was a commercial hit, earning over $351 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

Also Read: The Life Of Chuck Actor Tom Hiddleston, Zawe Ashton Are Expecting Second Child

Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.