Washington DC, June 10— A judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s \$400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times on Monday. Following the ruling, Lively addressed the decision on social media, expressing solidarity with others who face retaliatory lawsuits without the resources to fight back.
In her Instagram Stories post, Lively wrote about the pain of “manufactured shame” aimed at silencing victims and emphasized her commitment to defending women’s rights. She also shared resources for organizations supporting women’s rights, domestic violence victims, and employment law advocacy.
Baldoni, director and star of It Ends With Us, had accused Lively of stealing the 2024 film from him and his Wayfarer Studios, alleging she threatened to attack him in the press if her demands were unmet. However, Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that Baldoni’s claims did not prove wrongful extortion, instead viewing Lively’s actions as legally permissible negotiation tactics.
While the judge dismissed the entire lawsuit, including extortion and defamation claims, Baldoni was allowed to amend and refile certain allegations related to interference with contracts.
Lively’s lawyers called the ruling a “total victory” and stated they plan to pursue attorneys’ fees and punitive damages against Baldoni and his associates. Lively has also filed a federal lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation connected to the It Ends With Us production.
Ryan Reynolds was accused of defaming Baldoni by labeling him a “sexual predator,” but the judge found Reynolds acted based on Lively’s credible account.
The case is scheduled for trial on March 9, 2026.