Legal Battle Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni: A Summary

Justin Baldoni’s legal team released a strong statement after a judge ruled in favor of Blake Lively’s recovery of some attorney and litigation fees. Judge Lewis J. Liman stated in a written decision that Lively could recover fees related to defending against a countersuit by Baldoni, following her own lawsuit against him in December 2024. However, her attempt to triple the damages and obtain punitive damages was rejected.

On Friday, attorney Bryan Freedman communicated a statement to Fox News Digital, addressing that Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni for sexual harassment did not succeed. “We fought and won against a coordinated effort based on allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and defamation that were unfounded. Ms. Lively demanded over $300 million in fees and damages, had ten of her thirteen claims dismissed, and ultimately settled with no compensation,” Freedman stated.

Despite the court dismissing all her sexual harassment and defamation claims, Lively tried to use a California law designed to protect real victims, which failed to secure additional damages. Freedman emphasized that truth was upheld and that reputations were unfairly tarnished throughout the process. “Once again, she failed,” he remarked.

Lively’s legal team also released a statement to People, accusing Freedman and his clients of spreading falsehoods. They argued that Baldoni’s side was punishing good faith allegations of sexual harassment. Lively’s team concluded, “People who do nothing wrong should not have to pay millions of dollars, and the court recognizes this.”

The legal conflict between “It Ends With Us” co-stars started in late 2024 after Lively claimed Baldoni harassed her during the film’s production and instigated efforts to ruin her reputation. Baldoni denied these accusations and claimed they were false.

In January 2025, Baldoni countered with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, accusing them of defamation and extortion, along with related claims. He also pursued action against The New York Times over its coverage.

A federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit in June 2025, ruling that many statements didn’t meet legal standards to proceed. The litigation continued with both parties achieving some success. Several of Lively’s original claims were narrowed or dismissed, while some retaliation issues persisted.

By May 2026, both parties agreed to a settlement that concluded much of the remaining litigation, though the terms were not disclosed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.