Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively: Defamation Lawsuit Swiftly Dismissed
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Lawsuit dismissal by Richter over alleged slander - Defense's defamation lawsuit is thrown out by the court
In a surprising turn of events, the legal battle between American actor and director, Justin Baldoni (41), and his "Just Once More" co-star, Blake Lively (37), and her husband, Ryan Reynolds (48), took a swift turn. New York's courts have dropped the defamation lawsuit filed against Lively and Reynolds by Baldoni.
The Final Verdict? According to various media sources, the presiding judge, Lewis Liman, based his decision on Baldoni's inability to substantiate his allegations convincingly.
Baldoni had demanded a staggering $400 million in damages for alleged defamation, following Lively's public accusations of sexual harassment. However, Judge Lewis J. Liman has underscored that Lively's statements are legally protected and hence not actionable. Not only did Judge Liman dismiss the defamation lawsuit, but he also threw out other allegations such as blackmail, leaving open only the possibility of Baldoni filing a revised lawsuit over "unjustified contract interference."
Victory for Lively, Shutout for Baldoni Lively's lawyers, thrilled with the decision, declared it to be a complete victory for their client as well as everyone dragged into Baldoni's retaliatory lawsuit—including Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and the New York Times. They anticipate seeking reimbursement for legal fees and potential damages, including punitive damages, against Baldoni and the related parties.
Lively originally sued Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliatory measures on the set of the movie "Just Once More." She accused Baldoni and the Wayfarer Studios crew of launching a smear campaign against her following her complaint.
Lawsuit against "New York Times" Batted Away
Not only celebrities faced dismissals. Baldoni had sued the New York Times over their reporting on the case, but the court saw no merit for a defamation lawsuit there either. The reporting fell under the "Fair Report Privilege"—a legal protection that allows media to report on ongoing or filed legal proceedings without fear of defamation charges.
Protected by California Regulation
In his thoughtful judgment, Judge Liman concluded that the original accusations against Baldoni were filed within the boundaries of an official complaint to the California Civil Rights Bureau, thereby enjoying the protection of the "Litigation Privilege." This shields legal statements from defamation lawsuits.
Likewise, the statements attributed to Ryan Reynolds, calling Baldoni a "sexual predator" in a private setting, and Lively's PR agent, Leslie Sloane, were safeguarded by this protection, as both parties relied on Lively's account of events when interacting with the media.
March 2026: Trial over Lively's Accusations Begins
With the celebrity lawsuit dismissed, the stage is set for Lively's own trial against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, slated for March 2026. It remains to be seen whether Baldoni will seek to reassert certain allegations by then or if this chapter is truly closed for him.
- Justin Baldoni
- Blake Lively
- Defamation Lawsuit
- Ryan Reynolds
- New York
- New York Times
- US Dollars
- Slander
- The intertwining lives of celebrities Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds have been clear examples in the realm of entertainment and pop-culture, with recent events showcasing legal battles stemming from defamation accusations.
- As the dust settles on the defamation lawsuit involving Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds, the focus shifts to the world of entertainment and its influence on pop-culture, a sphere where reputation and public image often take center stage.
