Justin Baldoni's $400M countersuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds dismissed by judge
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Judge Dismisses Baldoni's $400M Lawsuit Against Blake Lively
Above: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively on the set of "It Ends with Us" on Jan. 12, 2024, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Image copyright: Jose Perez/Contributor/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
This ruling exposes Baldoni's lawsuit for what it was — a desperate attempt to silence a woman who courageously spoke out about workplace harassment. The court saw through this transparent retaliation and protected Lively's right to report sexual misconduct without fear of legal intimidation. Justice prevailed when the judge recognized that victims shouldn't face financial ruin for telling their truth.
Right narrative
Baldoni's legal setback doesn't erase the serious questions about Lively's conduct during production, including her alleged attempts to hijack creative control of the film. The dismissal was based on legal technicalities regarding privileged speech rather than the merits of whether Lively actually engaged in the problematic behavior Baldoni described. The fight continues with amended claims that could still expose the truth.