Blake Lively Wins Legal Battle as Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s $650 Million Lawsuit

Blake Lively has secured a major legal victory after a judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $650 million lawsuit against her, Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times. The lawsuit, which accused them of defamation and extortion, was thrown out, marking a significant win for Lively.

Blake Lively’s Reaction

Following the ruling, Lively took to Instagram Stories to express her relief and gratitude, stating: > “Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to women’s rights, sharing a list of legal advocacy organizations that support victims of harassment and retaliation.

Judge’s Ruling on Baldoni’s Lawsuit

On June 9, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, along with his defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. The court ruled that Baldoni’s claims failed to meet the legal standard for defamation, stating that the allegations lacked actual malice.

Legal Experts Call It a ‘Total Victory’

Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, described the ruling as a “complete vindication”, emphasizing that Baldoni’s lawsuit was retaliatory and lacked merit.

Conclusion

With the lawsuit officially dismissed, Lively has emerged victorious, reinforcing her stance on women’s rights and legal protections. The ruling also marks the end of Baldoni’s legal battle, which stemmed from disputes over the 2024 film It Ends With Us.