Justin Baldoni’s attorney responded strongly after a judge ruled that Blake Lively could recover some attorney and litigation fees. Judge Lewis J. Liman decided that Lively is entitled to legal fees and costs related to her defense against Baldoni’s countersuit, following her lawsuit against him in December 2024. The judge dismissed her claims for triple damages and punitive damages.
Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer, issued a statement emphasizing that Lively had unsuccessfully sued Baldoni for sexual harassment. He noted that out of Lively’s 13 claims, 10 were dismissed, and she received no compensation, despite seeking over $300 million in fees and damages. The case ended after Lively decided to settle.
Freedman stated, “We fought and won against a coordinated effort built on allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and a smear campaign that never happened.” He added that the court dismissed all of Lively’s sexual harassment and defamation claims, highlighting that her attempts to exploit a California law aimed at protecting real victims were ineffective.
“Once again, she failed,” Freedman reiterated.
Freedman asserted that Lively received limited attorney fees for a single claim in a short-lived case, emphasizing that reputations were unjustly damaged during the process. He maintained there was no sexual harassment, retaliation, or smear campaign, and that the court’s decision reflected this.
Freedman concluded, “We would not hesitate to stand up for the truth again.”
Lively’s legal team shared their perspective with People, opposing Freedman’s statements and labeling them as a “pack of lies.” They accused Baldoni of potentially suing women who bring forth claims of sexual harassment and retaliation in good faith. Lively’s legal representatives argued that the law prohibits such actions, and the court’s measures reflected this stance.
The conflict between Lively and Baldoni began late in 2024, with Lively filing a complaint and later a lawsuit claiming Baldoni sexually harassed her during the filming of “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni denied these allegations, calling them false. In retaliation, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others. He alleged defamation, extortion, and similar claims, also taking legal action against The New York Times for its coverage.
In June 2025, a federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit, stating that the involved statements were legally protected and did not meet the required legal standards. By May 2026, the parties arrived at a settlement resolving most ongoing litigation, although terms were not made public.