Blake Lively seeks to recuperate a staggering $400 million in compensation.
In a dramatic turn of events, actress Blake Lively is embroiled in a legal dispute with her former director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit stems from Lively's work on the film "It Ends With Us," with Baldoni.
In December 2024, Lively filed a complaint against Baldoni over sexual harassment in the film. The lawsuit followed a defamation lawsuit against Lively, which was dismissed in June 2025. Baldoni sought $400 million in damages, but the lawsuit was dismissed.
Lively's team is now seeking a ruling on the applicability of the California law, "Protecting Survivors from Weaponized Defamation Lawsuits," signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023. This law provides protection from defamation lawsuits for those who publicly share their experiences with sexual harassment.
The judge in the case has allowed access to Lively's chats with Taylor Swift as part of the legal proceedings. Lively, who supported the act, is relying on its provisions in her lawsuit against Baldoni.
Baldoni's lawyers argue that the California law does not apply to the case. They claim that Lively has fabricated or exaggerated harmless interactions. However, Lively's lawyers argue that the criteria for immunity from defamation lawsuits are met in her case, as she has a reasonable basis for her allegations and acted without malice.
The trial for sexual harassment allegations against Justin Baldoni is set for spring 2026. If the California law is ruled applicable, a hearing to determine damages may follow. Lively's team is also seeking millions in legal fees, triple damages for economic, emotional, and psychological harm, and punitive damages for abuse of the legal system.
The legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni is ongoing, with both parties presenting their arguments in court. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar cases involving sexual harassment allegations and the protection of survivors from defamation lawsuits.
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