Actor and director Justin Baldoni faces significant financial repercussions following the dismissal of his $400 million lawsuit against his co-star Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and the New York Times. The court officially threw out the case on Friday, October 31, marking a significant turning point in this high-profile legal battle.
Baldoni's legal claims, which included allegations of extortion and defamation, were initially dismissed by Judge Lewis J. Liman in June. The judge stated that Baldoni's accusations did not hold up under scrutiny, as he claimed that Lively and Reynolds attempted to gain control of the upcoming 2024 movie, based on Colleen Hoover's acclaimed book It Ends With Us, while simultaneously trying to undermine his reputation through a damaging New York Times article.
After the dismissal, Baldoni had until October 17 to file an appeal against the ruling but failed to take action. Consequently, Judge Liman issued a final judgment on Halloween, solidifying the dismissal of Baldoni's suit, which also included a $250 million (£184 million) defamation claim against the New York Times.
Baldoni's countersuit was filed in January, shortly after Lively alleged that she had experienced sexual harassment on the film's set. Lively's legal team has characterized Baldoni's lawsuit as a "sham" and a "retaliatory" measure. Following the dismissal of Baldoni's claims, Lively's lawyers expressed their anticipation of pursuing her own legal fees, stating, "The court saw right through it. We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys’ fees, treble damages, and punitive damages against Baldoni and the other Wayfarer Parties who perpetrated this abusive litigation."
In September, Lively's attorneys filed a motion advocating for her to be compensated for her legal fees, in addition to seeking damages for economic, emotional, and psychological harm. They also suggested that Baldoni should be held responsible for punitive damages due to his alleged abuse of the legal system. This claim is supported by the recently enacted Protecting Survivors from Weaponised Defamation Lawsuits Act, also known as AB 933, which aims to protect individuals who report sexual harassment from retaliatory lawsuits.
While Judge Liman has yet to rule on the applicability of this law in Lively’s case, Baldoni’s legal team maintains that the act does not pertain to their situation. They have argued that Lively fabricated her allegations to regain control of the film and restore her public image.
Despite the dismissal of Baldoni's lawsuit, the legal conflict between the It Ends With Us co-stars is far from over. Baldoni retains the right to appeal the judge's ruling on his defamation and extortion claims in a higher court. This appeal could take place after a decision is made regarding Lively's request for reimbursement of her legal expenses.
Additionally, Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni, which alleges sexual harassment and a coordinated smear campaign, is still active and is scheduled to be heard by a federal judge in New York next spring.
The legal saga involving Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds illustrates the complexities of Hollywood's legal landscape, particularly concerning defamation and sexual harassment allegations. As both parties prepare for the next phase of their legal battles, the implications of these lawsuits will likely resonate throughout the industry.
For further updates on this ongoing legal situation, stay tuned as we continue to monitor developments between these high-profile actors.
