Blake Lively Seeks Dismissal of Justin Baldoni’s Defamation Case
Blake Lively has urged Justin Baldoni and his team to familiarize themselves with California law, as she aims to have his $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against her, her husband Ryan Reynolds, the New York Times, publicist Leslie Sloane, and Vision PR dismissed. Lively’s motion to dismiss is backed by a strong legal argument presented in a recently filed memorandum in federal court in NYC.
Legal Filings and Claims
In her memorandum, Lively’s legal team asserts that “The Court should dismiss all claims against Ms. Lively with prejudice, deny leave to amend, and award Ms. Lively all relief sought.” This filing follows Lively’s earlier action against Baldoni, initiated after she filed a sexual harassment and retaliation complaint with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20. Lively’s husband, Reynolds, has also submitted a motion to terminate Baldoni’s lawsuit.
Response to Baldoni’s Complaint
Lively’s lawyers critique Baldoni’s amended complaint, stating that “Nothing in the FAC resembles an actionable legal claim.” They criticize the 44-page document submitted by Baldoni, his Wayfarer Studios, and associated executives as baseless. Amid ongoing litigation, settlement appears unlikely, and there remains a significant number of lawsuits stemming from the events surrounding the production of It Ends With Us, with a trial currently set for March 9, 2026.
California Law and Legal Protections
Highlighting the implications of newly enacted California Assembly Bill 933, Lively’s team contends that Baldoni’s lawsuit exploits the legal system to retaliate against her for speaking out about harassment and retaliation. They stress that California law protects such disclosures, emphasizing that Baldoni’s lawsuit is a misuse of the legal process. The legal team insists it constitutes a blatant abuse of power backed by robust statutory protections.
Response from Lively’s Legal Team
In a statement, Lively’s attorneys reiterated, “This lawsuit is a profound abuse of the legal process that has no place in federal court.” They also pointed out that suing victims for speaking out against harassment is expressly prohibited under California law, asserting that the lawsuit exposes the Wayfarer Parties to financial liabilities, including attorney’s fees and potential punitive damages against them for their actions.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
As the legal battles unfold, all parties are working to have their claims dismissed. Following a series of legal maneuvers, including motions to remove various defendants from the case, Lively’s lawyers are preparing for more court action. While scheduling for dismissal hearings remains pending, movement on the case docket is expected soon as both sides continue to engage in complex litigation.
