A New York judge has delivered a partial legal victory for US actor Blake Lively in her ongoing dispute with actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni. The ruling, issued by US District Judge Lewis Liman, requires Baldoni to cover Lively's legal fees but absolves him of liability for damages. This decision brings a limited conclusion to a contentious legal battle linked to the 2024 film 'It Ends with Us', in which both actors starred and Baldoni also directed.
Background of the Dispute
The case had already been narrowed significantly after the parties reached a settlement in May. The dispute originated from Lively's allegations that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate conduct on set, including comments about his personal life and attempts to alter the film to include unscripted sexual scenes. She also accused him of orchestrating a public relations campaign aimed at damaging her reputation after she raised complaints.
In response, Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, filed a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. They alleged that Lively and Reynolds attempted to damage Baldoni's reputation and exert control over the project. That lawsuit was previously dismissed by the court.
Details of the Ruling
In Friday's ruling, Judge Liman stated that Baldoni had not met the legal threshold to overcome privilege protections under a California law designed to shield harassment accusers from retaliatory defamation claims. The court also rejected Lively's request for punitive damages. Although Lively was awarded legal fees, the court did not disclose the amount. According to court filings, both sides have reportedly agreed not to appeal the decision, effectively closing another chapter in a dispute that has unfolded over several years.
'It Ends with Us', based on Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, proved a commercial success. According to Box Office Mojo, the film grossed more than $350 million worldwide despite mixed critical reception.
