On June 9, 2025, Blake Lively scored a major legal victory when a judge dismissed a $400 million countersuit filed by It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni, a significant setback for the actor’s hopes against the millionaire actress. The actress, known for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012, faced accusations of defamation and extortion, but the court ruled in her favor, citing that her allegations were made within privileged court documents. Here’s the bombshell story shaking Tinseltown
The drama began when Lively filed an 80-page civil rights complaint with the California Civil Rights Department on December 20, 2024, followed by a federal lawsuit on December 31, accusing Baldoni of sexually harassing her in multiple ways—including body shaming—and orchestrating a smear campaign to damage her reputation. Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios, fired back with a $400 million countersuit in January 2025, alleging defamation and extortion by Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane. Baldoni also filed a $250 million defamation suit against The New York Times over a December 2024 article detailing Lively’s claims. However, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit, ruling that Lively’s allegations were protected by legal privilege and that Baldoni failed to prove defamation, as he did not show that Lively, Reynolds, Sloane, or The New York Times doubted the truth of their statements.
On June 9, 2025, Lively released a powerful statement on Instagram: “Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organizations united in defending women’s rights to speak up for their safety. Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back.” The 37-year-old actress, who shares four children with Ryan Reynolds, vowed to continue advocating for women’s rights to protect their safety, integrity, and dignity. She thanked supporters, saying, “With love and gratitude for the many who stood by me, many of you I know. Many of you I don’t. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.” Her legal team called the ruling “a total victory and a complete vindication” for Lively, Reynolds, Sloane, and The New York Times.
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, described Lively’s public appearances, including her attendance at the 18th Annual Tribeca Artists Dinner on June 9, as a “false victory tour.” Speaking to TMZ Live on June 10, 2025, Freedman admitted disappointment over the defamation claim dismissal but emphasized that the case focuses on proving Lively’s sexual harassment and smear campaign allegations are false. He pointed to evidence, including video footage from the It Ends With Us set, which he claims contradicts Lively’s account of a dance scene where she alleged harassment. Freedman noted that Lively’s deposition is scheduled for June 2025, and Baldoni’s team can amend contract-related claims by June 23, signaling the legal battle is ongoing. An insider revealed Baldoni is “struggling” but remains confident in his legal strategy.
The dismissal sparked heated debate on X, with hashtags like #BlakeLively and #ItEndsWithUs trending. Supporters praised Lively’s advocacy for women’s rights, while critics questioned her claims, citing Baldoni’s evidence, such as text messages and set footage. Posts on X, including from @TMZ and @popculture_show, highlighted the divide, with some calling Lively’s win a “technicality” due to litigation privilege. The case has also strained Lively’s friendship with Taylor Swift, who was briefly dragged into the feud when Baldoni alleged Lively tried to “coerce” Swift into supporting her publicly.
While Lively’s legal win is a milestone, the battle continues. Her $250 million lawsuit against Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation remains active, and she must substantiate her claims. Baldoni’s team is expected to appeal the dismissal and amend their complaint, with potential costs of $100 million looming due to California’s legal protections for harassment claims. The It Ends With Us drama, centered on a hit film that grossed $350 million globally, has captivated Hollywood, with stars like Julia Fox voicing support for Lively. Will Lively’s victory hold, or will Baldoni’s evidence shift the narrative? Stay tuned for the next chapter in this high-stakes saga
