Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s dispute has now caught the attention of Hollywood. On June 9, 2025, the federal judge threw out Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively because of her allegations of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us in 2024. Judge the case, Lewis J. Liman, found that because of the harassment complaints, Liberty Lively was protected from any accusation of defamation. Likewise, a $250 million lawsuit filed against The New York Times was thrown out by the court. Still, Baldoni’s lawyers were allowed to modify some of the allegations, including breach of implied covenant and tortious interference, which happened by June 23 .
After the ruling, Lively stated how happy she was and underlined the importance of this case for everyone. She shared on Instagram what it was like for her to face a legal case against her and underline the problems those without resources may face. Lawyers for the woman stated this was an all-round success and defended the rights of anyone who points out misbehavior.
Despite the judge's ruling, the legal battle is far from over. Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, criticized Lively's declaration of victory as "false" and emphasized their intent to present further evidence. The judge's decision allows Baldoni's team to amend specific claims, indicating that aspects of the lawsuit remain active and could lead to a protracted legal confrontation
The dispute has had significant personal repercussions for both parties. Lively's legal filings suggest that the ordeal has caused emotional distress for her and her family, including their young children. Additionally, the controversy has impacted Baldoni's professional life, with reports indicating that he has lost multiple projects and faced challenges in securing new opportunities . As the situation develops, the entertainment industry watches closely, recognizing the potential long-term effects on both individuals' careers and public perceptions.