Justin Baldoni’s Lawsuit Against Blake Lively DISMISSED In Stunning Decision

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Justin Baldoni was just dealt a major legal blow.

The actor-director’s highly publicized $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively was dismissed moments ago.

Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, and the couple’s publicist were also named in the suit. Baldoni’s suit against the New York Times has also been dismissed.

Justin Baldoni attends the “It Ends With Us” New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on August 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

Baldoni suffers stunning legal setback

Moments ago, Judge Lewis J. Liman granted the motion to dismiss extortion and defamation against Lively and Reynolds, as well as the $250 million defamation suit against the Times.

Of course, today’s news does not mean that Baldoni and Lively’s messy legal battle has come to an end.

For starters, Judge Liman’s decision allows Baldoni and his business partners to amend their claims of breach of implied covenant and tortious interference with contract and to resubmit their suit with a June 23 deadline.

“The Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Lively is responsible for any statements other than the statements in her CRD complaint, which are privileged,” the judge Liman wrote in the opinion and order filing obtained by People.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds attend the “It Ends With Us” New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on August 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

“The Wayfarer Parties have alleged that Reynolds and [publicist Leslie] Sloane made additional statements accusing Baldoni of sexual misconduct and that the Times made additional statements accusing the Wayfarer Parties of engaging in a smear campaign,” the decision continues.

“But the Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Reynolds, Sloane or the Times would have seriously doubted these statements were true based on the information available to them, as is required for them to be liable for defamation under applicable law.”

Given how much is at stake, Baldoni will almost certainly amend the complaint and re-file.

On top of that, Lively is still suing him, with that trial set to head to court in March of 2026.

Lively’s legal team declares ‘total victory’

Blake Lively attends the “It Ends With Us” New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on August 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

Of course, despite those complications, Blake’s attorneys are treating today’s decision as a major win.

A statement issued by lawyers Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb describes today’s decision as a “total victory and a complete vindication” for Lively and the others whom “Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane and The New York Times.”

“As we have said from day one, this ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it,” the attorneys said, adding, “We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys’ fees, treble damages and punitive damages” from the Wayfarer parties who “perpetrated this abusive litigation.”

Again, this fight is far from over. But we’re Blae is in a celebratory mood today.

We’ll have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.

Justin Baldoni’s Lawsuit Against Blake Lively DISMISSED In Stunning Decision was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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