Blake Lively Just WRECKED a $400M Lawsuit But Did She REALLY Win?

Article Heading: Blake Lively Scores a Major Legal Victory Against Justin Baldoni, But Will It Shift Public Opinion?

In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, a federal judge has dismissed Baldoni's **$400 million defamation lawsuit** against Lively. The lawsuit stemmed from conflicts surrounding the production of their film, *It Ends With Us*. While this appears to be a decisive win for Lively, the complexities of the public narrative surrounding the case suggest that the fight may be far from over.

The Backstory: A Tangled Web of Legal Actions

The legal saga began in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging that Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of *It Ends With Us*. She further claimed that he retaliated against her for speaking out by launching a smear campaign to damage her reputation. This was subsequently covered in an in-depth piece by The New York Times. In response, Baldoni sued both Lively and The New York Times for defamation in January.

The suits were consolidated into a single case, and Judge Lewis Liman has now ruled that only Lively’s lawsuit will proceed to trial next year. This decision marks a crucial turning point in the legal proceedings.

Key Points of the Judge's Ruling:

• Judge Liman determined that Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni, based on her belief in the truth of her allegations, was not defamatory.
• Baldoni’s team failed to demonstrate that Lively made any defamatory comments outside of her complaint.
• The New York Times' reporting on the legal filings was not deemed defamatory, as Baldoni could not prove the publication acted with “actual malice”—knowingly publishing something they had reason to doubt.
• While defamation and extortion claims are off the table, Baldoni can potentially refile claims related to contractual obligations.

A Courtroom Victory Doesn't Guarantee Public Support

While Judge Liman's dismissal of Baldoni’s claims is a notable victory for Lively, it's crucial to recognize that the court of law and the "court of public opinion" operate under different rules. As Billy Bush, the former *Access Hollywood* host, noted on his podcast, Baldoni may still maintain more support in the public sphere.

The court of public opinion is crucial, but not always fair:

• Online platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit are rife with pro-Baldoni sentiments, often accusing Lively of "bigfooting" him on set and leveraging her influence unfairly.
• Some online commentators have even resorted to conspiracy theories, alleging corruption on the part of the judge due to his brother's connections to Hollywood, or suggesting that Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, influenced the outcome.

The reality is that Lively’s reputation has undoubtedly taken a hit. The relentless online commentary has created a perception that she has already lost in the eyes of many.

A Glimmer of Hope?

Despite the negative sentiment, there's a chance the tide could turn. Many people may find the case too confusing to follow closely. If Lively ultimately wins her lawsuit, it could be enough to sway public perception in her favor. In the end, the "court of public opinion" is not a static entity; it can evolve and change. An actual court victory for Lively would be meaningful, even if it doesn’t change everyone’s minds. The dismissal of Baldoni’s lawsuits significantly improves the odds of that victory, offering a renewed sense of hope for Lively's legal battle and her public image.

Ultimately, while the legal victory is a significant step, the real test will be whether Blake Lively can reclaim her narrative in the eyes of the public. The path ahead remains challenging, but the dismissal of Baldoni's lawsuit provides a solid foundation upon which she can begin to rebuild.

Tags: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Defamation lawsuit, It Ends With Us, Sexual harassment, Movie set, Legal battle, Celebrity feud, Hollywood scandal, Film conflict, Public Opinion, MeToo, Judge Lewis Liman

Source: https://slate.com/life/2025/06/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-lawsuit-dismissed-taylor-swift.html