Justin Baldoni’s Defamation Suit Against Blake Lively Dismissed

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In a June 9 ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman, Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively was dismissed from court. Baldoni had filed a countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane over accusations of libel due to statements that he was a “sexual predator” or had committed “sexual assault.” The judge determined that Baldoni did not sufficiently prove that any statements made by Lively to the Times were false, except for those claims also present in her harassment suit against Baldoni, which are legally protected. Sloane’s and Reynolds’ statements were found to be repetitions of Lively’s story, which they had no reason to doubt, making them not defamatory according to the decision. However, Baldoni is allowed to refile his lawsuit, but only with allegations concerning interference with contracts.

According to sources, Lively appeared to shed tears of relief upon hearing the news of the dismissal, as reported by People. One source stated, “She’s certainly feeling a sense of relief. Both parties share this sentiment.” Another source further noted that she felt validated by the decision.

In my own words, I stand behind Liman’s argument that the New York Times was shielded from Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit due to the fair-reporting privilege. This legal defense, unique to each state, protects media outlets from being held liable for defamatory statements made during court trials or other official proceedings. As per New York State law, journalists are allowed to report on judicial proceedings, legislative proceedings, or any other official proceeding without facing charges of defamation.

In December 2024, the Times published a report alleging that I, Baldoni, and my crisis-PR team, led by Melissa Nathan, conducted a “smear campaign” against Lively during the promotional run of ‘It Ends With Us,’ based on Lively’s legal proceedings against me.

Blake Lively’s legal team stated to Variety that today’s verdict represents a total win and complete exoneration for Lively, as well as others who were part of Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties’ countersuit, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times. From the start, they claimed that this $400 million lawsuit was a fraud, and the court has confirmed their suspicion. Leslie Sloane’s lawyer told People that Sloane has always maintained she never defamed Baldoni or the Wayfarer Parties and was unfairly included in the lawsuit as a means to damage her reputation. Today’s court ruling underscores that Sloane committed no wrongdoing, fully exonerating her, and ensuring justice is served.

On the 3rd of June, Judge Liman dismissed Lively’s claims of emotional distress against Baldoni regarding the initial charges. However, Baldoni still has several other accusations to deal with, such as sexual harassment and retaliation. The trial for these matters is currently set for March 2026.

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2025-06-09 23:53