CNN
—
Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit
A judge has dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, marking a significant moment in the ongoing legal disputes between the former co-stars.
Background of the Lawsuit
In January, Baldoni initiated legal action against Lively and Reynolds, alleging they aimed to ruin his career by taking his film, “It Ends With Us,” away from him. This complaint intensified the existing tensions surrounding the film that Baldoni directed and starred in alongside Lively.
Reactions to the Ruling
Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, hailed the ruling as “a total victory and complete vindication.” They emphasized their belief that Baldoni’s lawsuit was unfounded, a sentiment echoed in their statement, which remarked that the court recognized the lawsuit as baseless.
Counter Allegations
In December 2024, Lively filed a civil rights lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment during the film’s production and claiming retaliation for her protests. Baldoni promptly refuted her allegations.
Lively’s Advocacy
On her Instagram, Lively expressed gratitude for the support she’s received, vowing to advocate for women’s rights. She discussed the trauma of retaliatory lawsuits and noted that many lack the resources to defend themselves, reinforcing her commitment to ensure every woman’s voice is heard.
Outcomes of Dismissal
The judge granted motions to dismiss Baldoni’s claims from Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, as well as a dismissal motion from the New York Times. Baldoni’s request to amend his complaint regarding tortious interference related to Lively and Reynolds remains open until June 23, if he chooses.
