Only about 1% of civil cases worth over $100 million make it to trial. This case won’t be one of them. A U.S. federal judge has officially ended Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit. This happened because he missed the court’s deadline to file an updated complaint.
The dispute started over their work on the 2024 film It Ends with Us. Blake Lively first sued in December, claiming sexual harassment and a smear campaign. In response, Justin Baldoni made wide claims against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, publicist Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times. He accused them of civil extortion, defamation, and privacy invasion.
Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed the countersuit in June, giving Baldoni a chance to amend. The $250 million claim against The New York Times also fell. With no update filed, the dismissal is now final. The Blake Lively Lawsuit, though, is ongoing and could go to trial in 2026.
Lively’s team saw the June ruling as a big win. Baldoni’s lawyer said they are keeping appeal options open and focusing on the ongoing case. This marks a key turn in a high-stakes battle for those following the lawsuit.
Breaking update: Judge formally ends Justin Baldoni’s defamation countersuit
The court has closed the case on the defamation countersuit involving blake lively justin baldoni. After months of legal back and forth, the case moves to a new phase. This phase will deal with the blake lively law suit and fee issues.
Final judgment entered after no amended complaint was filed
Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed the countersuit in June, giving time to amend. Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios did not file an updated pleading. So, the court made a final judgment on October 31.
This decision impacts claims against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times. It narrows the scope of the blake lively law suit. The justin baldoni lawsuit history remains on record.
Only Blake Lively’s team responded to the court’s October warning
On October 17, the judge warned he would close the case without an amended complaint. People reviewed filings and found only Lively’s counsel replied. They asked the court to finalize judgment and keep fee requests alive.
This shows the importance of the blake lively justin baldoni situation as the deadline approached.
Request for legal fees remains active per the judge’s order
The judge’s order keeps Lively’s request for attorneys’ fees alive. This request will move forward on its own. Parties will sort out schedules and briefing.
With the countersuit closed, both sides are considering costs and next steps. The blake lively law suit and justin baldoni lawsuit continue to draw attention.
| Key Date | Court Action | Parties Affected | Resulting Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| June (Dismissal) | Countersuit dismissed with leave to amend | Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios | Window opened to revise claims |
| October 17 (Notice) | Judge warned of impending final judgment absent amendment | All parties; response from Lively’s team | Record set for possible closure |
| October 31 (Final Judgment) | No amended complaint filed; judgment entered | Baldoni’s countersuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, The New York Times | Countersuit closed; fee request survives |
| Current (Fees) | Attorneys’ fees application remains active | Blake Lively’s legal team; opposing counsel | Further briefing and scheduling expected |
How the legal battle began around It Ends with Us
The legal battle started with the 2024 release of Colleen Hoover’s adaptation. Blake Lively played Lily Bloom, and Justin Baldoni directed and starred as Ryle Kincaid. The media attention grew, sparking curiosity about the relationship between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
From co-stars to court: allegations from the film set
In December, Lively sued, claiming sexual harassment and emotional distress. She said the environment became hostile during press and post-production. This change made Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively the focus of a public controversy.
Claims of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign
Lively accused a smear campaign to silence her, fueled by online hate. Baldoni denied these claims and accused Lively of extortion, defamation, and privacy invasion. Fans wondered about Blake Lively’s true story and how she and Justin Baldoni handled the situation.
Wayfarer Studios and the production context
Wayfarer Studios, Baldoni’s company, was at the centre. He said Lively threatened to limit promotion unless terms were renegotiated. Lively’s filings saw this as a response to misconduct. The court found the negotiations hard but legal, leaving both sides with different stories.
Judge Lewis J. Liman’s reasoning behind dismissal
The court looked at the record through the lens of First Amendment and litigation-privilege rules. In the blake lively justin baldoni lawsuit, these rules guided what could or could not be used to support defamation or related torts involving justin baldoni blake lively.
Protected statements and why defamation failed
Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that statements in Blake Lively’s pleadings were privileged. They were made during litigation, so they were protected. This protection blocked defamation claims in the blake lively justin baldoni lawsuit.
The opinion also noted pleading gaps. It said the accusations against justin baldoni blake lively lacked the necessary facts to prove false statements outside of that privilege.
No actual malice found against The New York Times
The $250 million claim against The New York Times was based on the “actual malice” test. The judge found no evidence that the paper knew anything was false or acted with reckless disregard. The outlet believed it published accurate information.
This decision limited the defamation landscape in the blake lively justin baldoni lawsuit. It left no basis to proceed against the paper in the justin baldoni blake lively dispute.
Hard bargaining vs. extortion: the court’s view
The court made a distinction between unlawful threats and lawful negotiation. It saw the alleged pressure as hard bargaining over work terms, not extortion.
This view weakened the remaining theories in the blake lively justin baldoni lawsuit and the justin baldoni blake lively narrative. It also noted limited leave to amend on separate contract and interference claims.
Key timeline: from initial filing to official dismissal
The dispute moved fast, with filings, orders, and responses shaping a clear arc. For readers following blake lively news, the milestones show how the case between baldoni and Lively shifted from bold claims to a closed counteraction.
Each date below tracks how justin baldoni and blake lively reached the point of dismissal in federal court.
December filings and early 2025 countersuit
In December, Blake Lively filed suit alleging sexual harassment, retaliatory smear tactics, and emotional distress linked to the It Ends with Us set. Early in 2025, baldoni answered with a countersuit naming Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times.
The filing sought $400 million, plus $250 million against the Times. This move drew fresh blake lively news coverage as justin baldoni and blake lively became opposing parties off-screen.
June dismissal with leave to amend
In June, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed much of the countersuit but allowed a narrow amendment. The court set a June 23 deadline on claims tied to the implied covenant and alleged tortious interference.
The order kept pressure on baldoni to refine his pleading. Media tracking blake lively news noted the limited path left for justin baldoni and blake lively in this phase.
October 17 court notice and October 31 final judgment
On October 17, the judge signalled intent to enter final judgment. Only Lively’s lawyers responded, asking the court to close the case and keep her fees motion alive.
By October 31, no amended complaint arrived from baldoni or Wayfarer. The court then entered final judgment, a coda closely watched by readers following blake lively news and the broader arc of justin baldoni and blake lively in court.
Blake Lively Lawsuit
The Blake Lively Lawsuit is at the heart of the case, moving forward after the countersuit ended. A trial is set for March 2026. Filings are focused on discovery and damages. The case also involves family, including her husband and Ryan Reynolds’ recent appearances.
Ongoing original suit continues toward a 2026 trial
The court has scheduled the original claims for a 2026 hearing. Key parties are involved, and the case includes allegations from the film set. The case also involves the wider campaign that followed. Coverage often mentions the lawsuit’s connection to Justin Baldoni.
Statements from Lively and her legal team after June ruling
After the June decision, Lively said the countersuit was retaliatory. She highlighted the lack of resources for those fighting back. Her statement emphasized safety, dignity, and the right to be heard.
Her counsel called the order a clear win for her and others. This drew more attention to the lawsuit and her husband’s public support.
Request for attorneys’ fees, treble and punitive damages
Her lawyers plan to seek attorneys’ fees, treble, and punitive damages. Targets include Justin Baldoni, investor Steve Sarowitz, and PR executive Melissa Nathan. The judge left the fee request active, shaping the case and media focus.
Justin Baldoni’s response and legal strategy
After the countersuit was dismissed, everyone waited to see Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios’ next move. Fans of team justin were eager for updates. Online, there were also mentions of justin baldoni wife, but the main focus was on the lawsuit.
Lawyer Bryan Freedman on preserving appeal rights
Bryan Freedman pointed out that recent news missed important details. He said that to protect appeal rights, Baldoni and Wayfarer took a specific path. This move shows a careful plan within the lawsuit.
Why no amended complaint was filed
The court gave permission to amend after the June ruling, but none was filed by the deadline. Freedman said this choice was part of the strategy, not a delay. Fans noticed this move as a way to keep options open while focusing on the main issue.
Focus shifts to defending against Lively’s claims
With the countersuit closed, the focus is now on defending against Blake Lively’s claims. Freedman said resources will go to discovery and motion practice. Team justin is advised to gather evidence, narrow down the issues, and prepare for upcoming hearings.
Who’s involved: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Ryan Reynolds and more
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are at the heart of a legal battle. Their work on “It Ends with Us” connects the film to the courtroom. Lively points to corporate ties with Wayfarer Studios, while Baldoni’s team talks about media and publicity.
Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, has kept the public’s interest high. His appearances in suits at premieres add a pop culture twist to the legal drama.
Leslie Sloane, a communications expert, is also in the spotlight. Her role as a publicist has raised questions about how stories spread. This has shaped how Canadians view the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni case.
Wayfarer Studios, linked to Baldoni, is central to “It Ends with Us.” Figures like Steve Sarowitz and Melissa Nathan are mentioned in discussions about money and leadership.
The New York Times has become involved, thanks to Baldoni’s countersuit. This move has sparked debates about journalism and motives. The case has been widely covered, keeping updates on Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in the public eye.
The story is woven together by several threads. These include Blake Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds’ suits, and Leslie Sloane’s media role. These elements help us understand how the case is followed in real time.
Media coverage and public reactions in Canada
In Canada, people followed the blake lively law suit closely. News outlets explained the court’s actions and their importance. The story of blake lively and justin baldoni became a big topic from Vancouver to Halifax.
BBC, People, and The Independent reporting
The BBC detailed the legal journey, from dismissal to warning. They highlighted the judge’s views on protected statements and negotiations. People confirmed the timeline and Bryan Freedman’s efforts to protect appeal rights.
The Independent shared Blake Lively’s Instagram response and her lawyers’ comments. They discussed plans for fees and damages.
These reports shaped the blake lively news for Canadians. They also kept the focus on blake lively and justin baldoni as the case unfolded.
Social media statements and public perception
On Instagram and X, Canadians shared posts about the law suit and support for women in film. Hashtags linked the case to workplace culture debates. Short clips spread on TikTok and Reddit.
Opinions were mixed, but interest remained high. Every update from verified accounts boosted blake lively news mentions.
Impact on “blake lively news” and entertainment discourse
In Canada, search trends soared with court updates and filings. Entertainment shows in Toronto and Montreal discussed the case and its implications.
The blake lively law suit sparked discussions on power, production dynamics, and media accountability. It kept the public engaged long after the film’s release.
| Outlet | Key Focus | Canadian Audience Takeaway | Connection to Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBC | Procedural timeline, protected speech, hard bargaining vs. extortion | Clear grasp of why the countersuit ended | blake lively news framed by court rationale |
| People | Dates, final judgment, Bryan Freedman’s stance | Understanding next legal steps | blake lively law suit milestones distilled |
| The Independent | Lively’s Instagram reaction, pursuit of fees and damages | Insight into public messaging and stakes | Spotlight on blake lively and justin baldoni narrative |
| Social Platforms (Instagram, X) | Viral posts, advocacy themes, fan debates | High engagement and shifting sentiment | Search surges tied to blake lively news |
SEO recap: the most searched terms shaping the story
People are curious about the blake lively lawsuit and updates on blake lively justin baldoni. This interest grows with each court filing. Fans look for reliable sources to stay updated.
June’s opinion and the October final judgment are key to understanding the blake lively lawsuit justin baldoni story. Readers want a clear path through the legal process, including filings and what might happen in 2026.
blake lively lawsuit, blake lively justin baldoni, justin baldoni lawsuit
Core searches focus on timelines and legal positions. Terms like blake lively lawsuit and blake lively justin baldoni lead to rulings and statements. Interest in a justin baldoni lawsuit also increases when court reasoning or deadlines are mentioned.
ryan reynolds suit, blake lively husband, leslie sloane
Users also search for related figures. They look up ryan reynolds suit and blake lively husband to connect family with public statements. Publicist Leslie Sloane is searched when readers look for media responses or press posture tied to filings.
blake lively justin baldoni lawsuit, justin baldoni and blake lively
Combined-name terms, like blake lively justin baldoni lawsuit and justin baldoni and blake lively, show interest in the sequence of events and outcomes. Readers seek a concise summary that connects June’s analysis to October’s judgment. Often, they find this in an independent recap for dates, claims, and box office context.
| Search Term | User Intent | Most Clicked Topics | Context Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| blake lively lawsuit | Track active claims and filings | Court opinions, filing dates, relief sought | June opinion; 2026 trial outlook |
| blake lively justin baldoni | Understand relationship of parties | Set reports, co-star history, statements | Film release; media interviews |
| justin baldoni lawsuit | Follow countersuit status | Dismissal details, appeal rights | October final judgment |
| ryan reynolds suit | Check spousal and public angles | Reputational impact, family mentions | Public statements |
| leslie sloane | Verify publicity statements | Press responses, quotes | Media coverage cycles |
| blake lively justin baldoni lawsuit | Get a single-thread timeline | June reasoning, October judgment | Consolidated explainers |
| justin baldoni and blake lively | Compare roles and outcomes | Roles on film, court outcomes | Box office vs. legal tracks |
Conclusion
Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit is now closed. Judge Lewis J. Liman made the final judgment. This happened because no new complaint was filed. Lively’s request for legal fees is ongoing, putting pressure on the defence.
This news confirms what has ended and what is yet to come. It’s important for those following blake lively news.
The court’s June ruling set the stage. It said statements related to the lawsuit were privileged. It also found no actual malice by The New York Times.
The court saw the alleged threats as lawful bargaining, not extortion. This narrowed the path for any defamation claim in the Blake Lively Lawsuit.
Blake Lively’s original case is moving towards a March 2026 trial. Her team plans to seek attorneys’ fees, treble damages, and punitive damages. They will target Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios.
Baldoni’s counsel decided not to amend to keep appeal rights. Now, the focus is on defending against Lively’s claims.
As the blake lively justin baldoni lawsuit moves forward, the legal issues are clear. Privilege, malice, and bargaining tactics will shape the next phase. For Canadian followers, the takeaway is simple.
Baldoni’s countersuit is over, and the Blake Lively Lawsuit continues. The stakes are rising as both sides prepare for 2026.