Baldoni and Lively Legal Battle: Fee Recovery Ruled with Dismissals

Justin Baldoni’s lawyer released a statement following a judge’s decision permitting Blake Lively to recover certain attorney and litigation fees. Judge Lewis J. Liman’s written decision allows Lively to reclaim fees tied to her defense against a countersuit brought by Baldoni after her initial lawsuit in December 2024. However, the judge denied her request for triple damages and punitive damages.

On Friday, Bryan Freedman issued a statement to Fox News Digital, criticizing Lively’s failed lawsuit against Baldoni for sexual harassment. Freedman stated, “We fought and won against a coordinated effort built on allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and a smear campaign that never happened. Ms. Lively demanded over 300 million in fees and damages, had 10 of her 13 claims dismissed; she then chose to settle and received nothing.”

Freedman continued, explaining that despite a complete dismissal of Lively’s sexual harassment and defamation claims, she attempted to leverage California law to pursue damages, ultimately proving unsuccessful once again.

BLAKE LIVELY BREAKS SILENCE AFTER JUDGE DISMISSES SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIMS IN BALDONI LAWSUIT

Freedman expressed satisfaction in exposing the truth, maintaining that “justice prevailed.” Lively was awarded limited attorney fees for one claim in a brief case that lasted only months. His statement emphasized the absence of harassment, retaliation, or any smear campaign recognized by both the court and the record.

Freedman concluded, expressing readiness to defend the truth in the future.

BLAKE LIVELY, JUSTIN BALDONI TIMELINE: TAYLOR SWIFT TANGLED INTO LEAKED MESSAGES, EMBARRASSING LAWSUITS

Lively’s legal team responded, accusing Freedman and his clients of issuing a DARVO statement filled with lies. They pointed out an earlier acknowledgment that Lively’s claims “deserved to be heard.” Lively’s team argued that Baldoni’s actions dissuade women from raising harassment claims in good faith.

They concluded that the law protects individuals who do nothing wrong, and predicted the case would not result in paying millions of dollars.

The legal battle between “It Ends With Us” co-stars began in late 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during filming and alleged a malicious reputation-damaging campaign. Baldoni denied these allegations, asserting their falsehood.

In January 2025, Baldoni countered with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and others, citing defamation, extortion, and related claims. He pursued action against The New York Times for its reporting.

However, by June 2025, a federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit, ruling that the statements involved were legally protected and failed to meet necessary legal standards. The parties settled in May 2026, resolving most litigation without disclosing terms.

The litigation, which spanned 2025 and into 2026, saw claims narrowed or dismissed pre-trial, while retaliation-related issues persisted. Most litigation concluded with the settlement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Janelle Ash, an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital, invites story tips at [email protected].