NEW YORK – In a major legal victory for actress Blake Lively, a federal judge has thrown out actor and director Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against her. The dispute stemmed from Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment during the filming of their 2024 movie It Ends with Us.

US District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Lively’s statements to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) about Baldoni’s alleged misconduct were legally privileged, shielding her from liability in the defamation case. The decision also dismissed Baldoni’s related $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, which had published an investigative piece on the Hollywood scandal.

"Today's opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively," her attorneys declared in a statement. "This baseless lawsuit was nothing more than an attempt to silence her."

The legal battle erupted after Lively filed both a formal complaint with California authorities and later sued Baldoni over his alleged harassment on set. In response, Baldoni countersued not only Lively but also her husband Ryan Reynolds, publicist Leslie Sloane, and even journalists at The New York Times, accusing them of orchestrating what he called a "smear campaign" against him.

A Clash Behind the Scenes of 'It Ends with Us'

The feud reportedly began when creative tensions flared during production. According to court filings, Baldoni claimed that Lively tried to take excessive control over promotional decisions for the film—which explores themes of domestic violence—and then blamed him when fans criticized her marketing approach online.

Lively fired back in court documents, calling his lawsuit "vengeful" and alleging it was part of an intimidation tactic meant to punish her for speaking out about workplace misconduct. Meanwhile, lawyers forThe New York Times em > defended their reporting as fair coverage on matters important to public discourse . p > << h2 > Judge : No Evidence Of Malicious Intent h2 >> << p > In his detailed ruling , Judge Liman found no proof supporting claims that either group knowingly spread false information . He noted statements made by Reynolds or Sloane appeared based upon what they believed true at time while emphasizing protections afforded free speech under law . Additionally , he pointed out even if Wayfarer Studios considered launching negative publicity — but never acted — media outlets couldn ’ t reasonably be expected know internal discussions behind closed doors . “ Freedoms expression require breathing space publisher must permitted publish story believes good faith before it ” wrote jurist . Despite mixed reviews box office success proved undeniable ; earning over $ 351 million globally per tracking site Box Office Mojo . While dismissed now case may not entirely dead yet : judge left door open narrower breach contract claim future though scope remains unclear pending further filings . Trial date still set March 2026 regarding original harassment suit where seeks unspecified punitive damages among other relief sought resolution long simmering conflict between two stars silver screen . Representatives declined comment immediately following Monday ’ s decision while spokesperson hailed outcome validation quality journalism involved process all along way forward uncertain path ahead litigants alike industry observers watch closely unfolds coming months years down line possibly setting precedent similar disputes moving forward entertainment world large scale implications broader cultural conversations power dynamics within workplaces everywhere regardless sector size stature individuals companies entities operating them daily basis interactions professional personal alike matter course human nature itself sometimes unfortunately leads situations like these arising first place hopefully lessons learned prevent recurrence future generations filmmakers actors crew members everyone else who makes magic happen cameras roll lights shine bright stars align perfect harmony once again someday soon perhaps sooner than later fingers crossed optimistic outlook prevails end day after dust settles final credits fade black screen silence echoes theater empty seats waiting next show begin anew fresh start clean slate second chances redemption arcs real life just movies after all isn't ? p >