⚖️ What’s the Story?
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Justin Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation and extortion countersuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and others, claiming they initiated a smear campaign related to on-set behavior during It Ends With Us.
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On June 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman dismissed the entire countersuit—finding that Lively’s allegations were legally protected under litigation privilege.
The dismissal also extended to Baldoni’s separate $250 million libel claim against The New York Times.
🔍 What's Next?
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The court allowed Baldoni to amend and refile certain breach-of-contract claims by June 23.
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Meanwhile, Lively's original lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment remains on track for a March 2026 trial.
🙌 Responses from Both Sides
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Lively’s legal team called the ruling a “total victory and complete vindication”.
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Baldoni’s attorney replied that the “victory” was “false,” expressing intent to move forward with revised legal claims.
🎭 What This Means:
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Highlights the protective power of litigation privilege, affirming that legal complaints and related discussions can’t be pursued as defamation.
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Marks a pivot in the legal saga—shifting from countersuits to a focused inquiry into contract issues and the unresolved harassment allegations.
