Blake Lively Recovers Legal Costs in Dispute Over ‘It Ends With Us’

Blake Lively has been awarded the right to recover some legal expenses from actor and director Justin Baldoni following their legal battle over the 2024 film, It Ends With Us. However, Lively will not receive punitive damages or other relief she sought. This decision was made by Judge Lewis J. Liman.

Judge Liman ruled that Lively can recover legal fees and costs associated with defending against a countersuit Baldoni filed. Lively had initially sued Baldoni in December 2024. The decision referenced a California law aimed at protecting survivors of sexual harassment and discrimination from retaliatory lawsuits that seek to silence them.

“The law mandates that if a defamation claim countering a lawsuit is dismissed, the plaintiff must cover the defendant’s legal fees. This applies even if evidence has not yet been gathered,” wrote Liman.

Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios LLC, failed to demonstrate that malice drove Lively’s claims, a requirement for an exception under the law. Consequently, Judge Liman denied Lively’s request for triple damages and punitive damages, stating these demands do not comply with federal procedural rules.

The legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni was largely settled last month before a trial commenced. Lively did not receive monetary compensation but kept the right to seek legal fees. Both parties interpreted Liman’s ruling as a victory.

Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, representing Lively, emphasized that the ruling indicated Lively’s good faith and lack of malice in bringing her claims. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, highlighted that Lively’s demands for $300 million, spanning fees and damages, were largely dismissed.

Freedman argued, “She turned to a California statute for damages, only to see limited success with a sole claim.” He noted that the litigation involved a brief portion of the proceedings.

Freedman accused Lively of attacking Baldoni’s reputation and the reputations of others unfairly, indicating that no sexual harassment, retaliation, or defamation occurred. He reiterated Baldoni’s innocence.

Lively had charged Baldoni and his company with sexual harassment and retaliation in late 2024, claiming Baldoni sought to harm her reputation. Baldoni contested these claims, maintaining that Lively’s allegations aimed to take control of the film. Baldoni countersued, accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion. However, Liman dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit and recently dismissed Lively’s harassment claims due to her status as an independent contractor.

It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestseller, explores a relationship marked by domestic violence. Released in August 2024, it performed well at the box office.

Blake Lively is known for her roles in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Gossip Girl, among other films. Justin Baldoni’s credits include directing Five Feet Apart and starring in Jane the Virgin. He also authored Man Enough.