In a major legal development, a New York federal judge has dismissed a $400 million defamation countersuit filed by actor and director Justin Baldoni against actress Blake Lively. The lawsuit was filed in response to allegations Lively made against Baldoni, which she reported through official legal channels and were later covered by major news outlets. Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that Lively’s statements were protected under legal privilege, meaning she had the right to report her concerns without being sued for defamation. The judge also found that Baldoni had not shown enough evidence to prove Lively acted with malicious intent. While this decision marks a significant legal win for Lively, Baldoni has been given until June 23, 2025, to file a revised version of his claim.
Blake Lively Responds to the Decision
After the dismissal, Blake Lively shared her thoughts through her legal team, calling the decision “an important step toward protecting women’s voices.” She added that the case was never about money, but about standing up for what’s right. Lively had filed her original complaint after claiming Baldoni behaved inappropriately during the filming of It Ends With Us. She also noted that lawsuits like Baldoni’s could discourage women from speaking out. Lively’s team now plans to seek legal fees and additional penalties from Baldoni’s side, claiming his lawsuit was meant to silence her. She expressed hope that this outcome would encourage others to come forward without fear.
Marvel and Ryan Reynolds Removed from the Legal Dispute
As part of the legal filings, Baldoni had also tried to involve Marvel Entertainment and actor Ryan Reynolds, claiming there were indirect references to his situation in upcoming promotional material for Deadpool & Wolverine. However, the judge rejected these claims, saying the references were vague and had no direct link to the lawsuit. Marvel was granted legal protection and will not be required to share internal communications or participate in the case. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively were also previously removed as individual defendants, further narrowing the scope of Baldoni’s countersuit. This means the lawsuit is now focused mostly on the legal and reputational questions surrounding Baldoni and Lively directly.
What Happens Next in the Legal Battle
Although Baldoni’s countersuit has been thrown out for now, the main lawsuit filed by Lively is still active. The court has scheduled a full trial for March 9, 2026. According to legal filings, there will be no further mediation, meaning both parties are preparing for a courtroom trial. The judge also noted that Baldoni can submit a revised version of his counterclaims by June 23. If he does not, the dismissal will become final. Legal experts say that unless Baldoni presents new, stronger evidence, it’s unlikely that any new version of the lawsuit will succeed. Still, his legal team has not ruled out taking further steps to defend his reputation.
Public Reactions and Broader Impact
This high-profile case has drawn strong reactions online and within the film industry. Many public figures have voiced support for Lively, while others are waiting to see what new evidence, if any, Baldoni will bring forward. The case also raises larger questions about how legal systems protect people—especially women—when they speak up about misconduct. Advocacy groups have praised the judge’s ruling, saying it reinforces the right to report concerns without being silenced by large lawsuits. Meanwhile, some worry the public nature of the case may distract from important industry reforms. Regardless of the final outcome, the lawsuit has already influenced how future cases of alleged on-set misconduct may be handled.
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