Justin Baldoni Loses $400 Million Lawsuit Against Blake Lively

In the latest chapter of the legal feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, a U.S. federal judge has officially ended Baldoni’s $400 million defamation and extortion countersuit after he failed to file an amended complaint by the court-imposed deadline.

What Happened to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively

Baldoni had filed the lawsuit in January 2025, alleging that Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and the New York Times had conspired to tarnish his reputation following her sexual-harassment complaint against him. In June, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed the case, ruling the claims were legally barred because Lively’s statements were protected as part of a legal proceeding.

A final blow came on October 31 when Baldoni and his co-plaintiffs did not respond to the court’s “order to show cause,” which asked them to explain why a final judgment should not be entered. Only Lively’s side responded, requesting the judgment and preserving her claim for legal fees.

Why This Matters

• The case signals a significant legal setback for Baldoni, who must now focus on his own defence rather than pressing his countersuit.
• For Lively, the result is a vindication, her legal team calling it a “total victory” and a clear win against what they described as a baseless suit.
• The broader issues touched by the case include power dynamics on film sets, retaliation claims, and the protection afforded to people who file harassment complaints—especially in entertainment
• Despite this ruling, Lively’s original lawsuit against Baldoni remains ongoing and is set for trial in March 2026.

What’s Next to Watch

• Whether Baldoni appeals the final judgment or files a new action based on the court’s allowance of narrow contractual interference claims.
• How Lively pursues her claims for damages or legal fees against Baldoni and his associates.
• How the public narrative around the film It Ends With Us and its production environment evolves in light of these legal outcomes.
• What this means for on-set culture in Hollywood: will the result prompt studios and productions to revisit protocols around harassment, complaints and retaliation?

You might also want to read: Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Countersuit