Defamation Lawsuit Tossed—Why Blake Lively’s Court Filing Was Untouchable.
In a sweeping legal defeat, actor-director Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively—and her husband Ryan Reynolds—was dismissed on June 9, 2025, by a federal judge in New York. The lawsuit, which included claims of extortion, defamation, and retaliation, also targeted publicist Leslie Sloane and The New York Times, but was found lacking in legal merit.
What Was the Lawsuit About?
Baldoni, 41, alleged that Lively and others conspired to destroy his reputation after she filed a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit in December 2024. That suit accused Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, of mistreatment during the filming of It Ends With Us, which Lively stars in and Baldoni directed.
In response, Baldoni filed a massive $400 million lawsuit claiming that Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane had defamed him and cost him career opportunities. He also filed a separate $250 million suit against The New York Times over their coverage of Lively’s allegations.
Why Did the Judge Dismiss It?
U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that Baldoni’s legal team failed to provide sufficient facts to support their claims. Specifically:
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Defamation Claims: The court found no evidence that Reynolds or Sloane acted with “actual malice,” which is required when public figures are involved.
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Lively’s Statements: The judge ruled that Lively’s statements, made in a legal filing, were privileged and not grounds for defamation.
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Extortion Allegation: Baldoni’s claims that Lively threatened to “steal the film” unless her conditions were met were dismissed as a form of “hard bargaining,” not extortion.
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The Times Coverage: The judge determined the reporting was “fair and dramatized,” but not malicious.
However, Baldoni has been given until June 23 to amend and potentially refile parts of his case related to tortious interference and breach of implied contract.
Lively’s Legal Team Declares Victory
“This was a sham lawsuit from the beginning, and the court saw right through it,” said attorneys for Blake Lively. “This is a complete vindication—not just for Blake, but also for Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times, who were wrongfully dragged into this retaliatory action.”
Sigrid McCawley, attorney for Sloane, added, “Justice has been served. My client did nothing wrong and is grateful to be fully cleared.”
A spokesperson for The New York Times echoed those sentiments, calling the suit “a meritless attempt to stifle honest reporting.”
What Is Defamation—and How Does It Apply Here?
Defamation is a false statement presented as fact that damages someone’s reputation—and it can have serious legal consequences. There are two types: libel, which is written (like a social media post or article), and slander, which is spoken (like during a podcast or interview). While both forms can lead to lawsuits, libel tends to be easier to prove because there's a tangible record. To win a defamation case, the plaintiff must show that the statement was false, made publicly, caused harm, and—if they're a public figure—was made with actual malice. Penalties can include compensatory damages, punitive damages, and court-ordered retractions. Famous cases include Johnny Depp’s 2022 libel victory against Amber Heard, which resulted in a $10 million jury award, and the record-breaking $787.5 million Fox News paid Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 for repeatedly broadcasting false claims. Defamation law is designed to balance free speech with accountability—and as this case involving Justin Baldoni shows, courts require strong, factual evidence before awarding damages or letting a case proceed.
What Happens Next?
While Baldoni’s countersuit was dismissed, the original lawsuit filed by Lively against him and Wayfarer Studios is still active. That trial is scheduled for March 2026, with both Lively and Baldoni expected to testify.
People Also Ask:
Can I sue someone for defamation over what they say in a lawsuit?
Not usually. Statements made in legal filings are considered privileged and protected from defamation claims.
What is “actual malice” in defamation law?
It means knowingly publishing false information or acting with reckless disregard for the truth—this is required when suing public figures.
What happens when a lawsuit is dismissed “with leave to amend”?
It means the case is dismissed but the plaintiff has a chance to revise and resubmit their claims before a set deadline.
