A judge has formally dismissed actor and director Justin Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit against co-star Blake Lively due to Baldoni's failure to meet a deadline for filing an amended complaint. This decision follows a legal dispute initiated by Lively against Baldoni in December, alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign, to which Baldoni responded with a counter-lawsuit.
Background of Legal Dispute
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, who co-starred in the 2024 film It Ends with Us, have been involved in a legal dispute. Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni last December, accusing him of sexual harassment and waging a smear campaign against her. In response, Baldoni filed a lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and the New York Times, claiming civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
Dismissal of Baldoni's Case
Baldoni's initial case was dismissed in June, but he was given an opportunity to file an amended complaint. Judge Lewis Liman stated that Baldoni failed to file the amended complaint within the specified timeframe.
Judge's Ruling and Current Status
On October 17, Judge Liman contacted all parties to inform them that he would enter a final judgment to conclude Baldoni's case. Only Lively's representatives responded, requesting the final judgment be declared and that her request for legal fees remain active, which the judge agreed to. Lively's original lawsuit against Baldoni is still ongoing.
Previous Statements Regarding Dismissal
Following the dismissal of Baldoni's case in June, lawyers for Blake Lively described it as "a total victory and a complete vindication." At the time, Baldoni's lawyer stated that Lively's "predictable declaration of victory is false" and that "with the facts on our side, we march forward." He also added that "While the court dismissed the defamation related claims, the court has invited us to amend four out of the seven claims against Ms Lively, which will showcase additional evidence and refined allegations." However, according to the latest ruling, these amended claims were not filed.
Baldoni and Wayfarer have not issued a comment regarding the recent development.