Lively’s Legal Team Declares “Total Victory” in Baldoni Lawsuit

Blake Lively’s legal team is celebrating a “total victory” after a federal judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s US$400-million defamation lawsuit against her and Ryan Reynolds. Judge Lewis J. Liman’s ruling on Monday found that Lively’s sexual harassment accusations were legally protected, making them exempt from Baldoni’s libel claims. This outcome provides a strong legal precedent regarding protections for accusers.
The court’s opinion emphasized that Lively’s statements in her cross-complaint were privileged and therefore not subject to defamation claims. Moreover, Baldoni’s accusations of extortion against Lively, related to her alleged creative control over the film, were found to be legally unsound under California law. This comprehensive ruling addresses multiple facets of Baldoni’s initial lawsuit.
The New York Times also saw the defamation lawsuit against them dismissed, as Judge Liman found no basis for the claim that they doubted the veracity of the sexual misconduct allegations they reported. This highlights the legal protections afforded to journalists reporting on ongoing legal disputes, especially those involving public figures.
Lively’s legal team has expressed profound satisfaction with the outcome, calling the dismissal a “total victory and complete vindication.” They are now preparing to seek attorney’s fees, treble damages, and punitive damages from Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties, asserting that the lawsuit was an “abusive litigation” designed to retaliate against Lively for speaking out.