A federal judge ruled Friday that Blake Lively is entitled to attorneys’ fees associated with the high-profile legal battle between her and “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni, but denied her request for damages.
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman, stems specifically from costs tied to Baldoni’s dismissed defamation suit. It is based on a California statute enacted to protect individuals who speak out against sexual harassment. Under the law, people who sue their harassment accusers for defamation may need to pay the accusers’ legal fees if the lawsuit gets thrown out. Final figures for attorneys’ fees are subject to court approval.
Lively sued Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, Wayfarer Chief Executive Jamey Heath, and Baldoni’s publicists, among others, in December 2024. The suit alleged that Baldoni’s team had launched a targeted smear campaign intended to harm Lively’s reputation after she spoke up about sexual harassment by Baldoni, who directed the 2024 film “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni and Wayfarer then sued for defamation, but their case was dismissed last year. Baldoni has denied misconduct.
“Today’s ruling makes it clear that Ms. Lively brought her claims in good faith,” Lively’s attorneys, Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, said in a statement. An attorney for Baldoni did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Liman denied Lively’s request for damages on the grounds that her lawyers used a legal shortcut, typically meant for calculating attorneys’ fees and minor court costs, to claim the money. He outlined an alternate procedural path Lively could use to try to recoup damages.
In April, Liman tossed Lively’s claims of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy, but allowed some claims, including retaliation and breach of contract, to proceed. That ruling narrowed the case significantly as it headed toward trial.
The parties agreed to settle that suit last month, ending a drawn-out, star-studded battle. Court filings had included text messages between Lively, her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, and pop star Taylor Swift, and the anticipated witness list featured other celebrities.
“It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online,” the parties said in a joint statement following the May settlement.