Judge Awards Legal Fees to Blake Lively in Court Battle

A federal judge has granted Blake Lively a partial victory by awarding her legal fees in a court battle against Justin Baldoni. However, the judge denied additional financial penalties, and the exact award size has not been determined.

In recent developments, Ms. Lively settled retaliation claims related to the 2024 film It Ends With Us. Both parties were preparing for a high-profile trial in the Federal District Court in Manhattan. As part of the settlement, Ms. Lively did not receive financial compensation but retained the right to seek payment through other legal channels.

Last year, Justin Baldoni filed an unsuccessful defamation lawsuit against Ms. Lively. Ms. Lively’s legal team invoked a California law designed to prevent defamation suits from being used to intimidate harassment complainants. Ms. Lively alleged the existence of a retaliatory online campaign orchestrated by Mr. Baldoni and his associates after she reported sexual harassment on the film set.

Mr. Baldoni’s lawyers argued that Blake Lively misrepresented interactions as harassment, aiming to gain control over the film’s production. In contrast, Judge Liman determined that Ms. Lively’s case met the law’s criteria, highlighting that her complaints lacked malice.

“Allegations alone cannot show that statements were made with malice; evidence is needed,” Judge Liman stated. He noted the absence of evidence from Mr. Baldoni’s side.

Ms. Lively’s legal team has yet to specify the attorney fees amount sought for defending against the dismissed defamation suit. Such fee calculations typically face objections from opposing parties.

Although Ms. Lively aimed for treble and punitive damages, Judge Liman ruled that her legal approach permitted requests only for fees, not damages.

Both parties pledged not to appeal Judge Liman’s ruling in their settlement agreement. Representatives for Ms. Lively and Mr. Baldoni have not issued comments.

Julia Jacobs covers legal issues and is known for her arts and culture reporting.