In a recent legal ruling, actor Blake Lively will recoup some legal costs from Justin Baldoni, but not punitive damages as initially sought. This followed the settlement of their legal disagreements over the film ‘It Ends With Us’.
Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that Lively is entitled to recover legal fees from Baldoni related to a countersuit. Baldoni had filed against her after she initiated the lawsuit in December 2024. The decision cited a California law aimed at protecting survivors of sexual harassment and discrimination from retaliatory lawsuits. Liman indicated this law obligates plaintiffs to cover the defendant’s legal costs if a defamation claim in response to a lawsuit is dismissed, even if evidence has not been gathered.
Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios did not prove malice was behind Lively’s claims, according to the judge’s ruling. The court rejected her requests for triple damages or punitive damages under the California law. These did not align with federal rules protecting party rights. Lively and Baldoni settled their main dispute last month, avoiding a trial on her retaliation claims. Although Lively received no financial settlement, she can pursue legal fees.
Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, representing Lively, expressed the decision validated Lively’s claims as made in good faith, without evidence of malice, confirming her as the prevailing defendant. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, remarked that Lively failed in her demand for substantial fees and damages. Before settlement, ten of her thirteen claims were dismissed, and Freedman claimed Lively shifted strategy to leverage California law unsuccessfully. He stated Lively was now entitled to limited attorney fees for a brief litigation phase.
Freedman defended his clients, insisting they were wrongfully accused by a renowned movie star attempting to damage their reputations. He emphasized that no sexual harassment, retaliation, or defamation campaign occurred. Baldoni denied Lively’s accusations of harassment and damage to her credibility. He asserted her claims were fabricated to gain creative control over the movie. In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion.
Judge Liman dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit and Lively’s sexual harassment claims earlier. He ruled that Lively’s status as an independent contractor excluded her from bringing these claims. ‘It Ends With Us,’ based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel about domestic violence, was released in August 2024 and exceeded box office expectations.
Blake Lively rose to fame in ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ and ‘Gossip Girl.’ Her film credits include ‘The Town’ and ‘The Shallows.’ Baldoni featured in ‘Jane the Virgin,’ directed ‘Five Feet Apart,’ and authored ‘Man Enough,’ addressing masculinity topics.
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