Actor-director Justin Baldoni's legal dispute with co-star Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist has concluded, as a judge has dismissed Baldoni's lawsuit. U.S. District Court Judge Lewis J. Liman stated that Baldoni failed to meet the deadline to refile amended claims by June 23.
The legal conflict began in December 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during their collaboration on the film "It Ends With Us." In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit against Lively and others, claiming defamation and extortion, seeking $400 million in damages, which included compensation for lost future income. He also attempted to sue the New York Times for libel concerning its coverage of Lively's allegations, asserting a coordinated smear campaign against him.
However, the court rejected Baldoni's defamation-related claims, noting that statements made in a legal context are typically exempt from libel claims. Judge Liman had previously allowed Baldoni the opportunity to amend some claims related to contract interference but ultimately ruled that Baldoni and his legal team failed to act within the set timeline.
In a recent court order, Judge Liman noted that Baldoni did not respond to inquiries from the court regarding the delay, while Lively's team requested the court to finalize the judgment and maintain her request for legal fees. Baldoni retains the option to appeal the defamation judgment once the court addresses Lively's request for fees.
Both actors are scheduled to appear in court in March 2026 for the ongoing proceedings related to Lively's original lawsuit.