Judge Tosses Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Defamation Suit Against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds

A judge has dismissed actor-director Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, marking a turning point in the high-profile legal battle stemming from the production of It Ends With Us. 

Filed in January, Baldoni’s lawsuit accused Lively and her husband, Reynolds, of attempting to destroy his career and reputation by taking over the film he directed and co-starred in alongside Lively. The complaint alleged that Lively’s claims of sexual harassment, along with Reynolds’ alleged involvement, fueled a coordinated smear campaign. 

Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, welcomed the ruling.

“This ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the court saw right through it,” they said in a statement. “It’s a total victory and a complete vindication.” 

Harassment Allegations and Retaliation Claims 

In December 2024, Lively filed a civil rights complaint alleging Baldoni sexually harassed her during the film’s production. She later escalated the complaint to a formal lawsuit, claiming she faced retaliation for reporting the alleged misconduct. 

“I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us,” Lively said in an Instagram statement. “I’m more resolved than ever to stand for every woman’s right to protect her safety, integrity, dignity, and story.” 

Motions to dismiss the defamation suit—filed by Lively, Reynolds and their publicist, Leslie Sloane—were granted. 

What’s Next for the Case 

Baldoni and Lively in a scene from ‘It Ends With Us’

While the defamation claims were dismissed, the judge granted Baldoni until June 23 to file an amended complaint focused on tortious interference with contract and breach of implied covenant. 

“We intend to amend four of the seven claims against Ms. Lively,” Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, said. “This case is about false accusations of sexual harassment, retaliation and a nonexistent smear campaign. We look forward to her deposition.” 

The judge ruled that Lively’s initial complaint was protected under California law, citing legislation inspired by the #MeToo movement. He also noted that submitting the complaint to The New York Times fell under the fair report privilege, shielding it from defamation liability. 

Since the lawsuits were filed, the legal battle has played out in public. 

Baldoni’s team launched a website sharing text messages and a timeline related to Lively’s allegations. A leaked voice note and repeated statements by Baldoni’s legal team have since become subjects of additional court hearings.