The legal dispute involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has reached a significant point, with Baldoni potentially facing substantial financial repercussions.
Over the past year, Blake Lively and her co-star Justin Baldoni have been embroiled in a legal confrontation initiated by Lively in December of last year.
Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and alleged that he orchestrated a smear campaign against her. In retaliation, Baldoni launched a $400,000,000 defamation lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and the New York Times, citing civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
In June, a judge dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit but allowed him the possibility to submit an amended complaint.
A spokesperson for the New York Times expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating (via Complex): “We are grateful to the court for seeing the lawsuit for what it was: a meritless attempt to stifle honest reporting.”
Following the dismissal, Lively and her legal team viewed the outcome as a vindication, describing the lawsuit as a ‘sham’ and celebrating its removal as a ‘victory’.
According to a BBC report, Judge Lewis Liman noted that Baldoni did not take further action despite being informed on October 17 that a final judgment would be entered to close the case.
Lively was the only party to respond, requesting that her legal fees remain applicable, a request the judge approved.
While the exact financial figure has not been disclosed, Baldoni may be required to pay a substantial amount to cover Lively’s legal expenses. As reported by Variety, Lively’s attorney confirmed in September that her legal costs had soared into the millions.
In a motion, Lively’s legal team argued for ‘multiple millions of dollars’ to be awarded to cover her legal fees and announced her intention to seek treble damages for the economic, emotional, and psychological impact this ordeal has had on her.
While Baldoni may face a significant financial obligation, he retains the option to appeal the judgement after the court addresses motions concerning Lively’s claim for legal costs. It remains uncertain whether he will choose to pursue this route.
Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni is still active in Manhattan federal court.
Representatives for Baldoni and Lively have been approached for comment.