Blake Lively Demands Millions in Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively took decisive action after settling a lawsuit with her ‘It Ends With Us’ co-star Justin Baldoni by requesting a substantial financial award from a federal judge.

In recent legal documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Lively’s attorneys claimed Baldoni’s dismissed $400 million defamation case was unfounded and retaliatory. The 38-year-old actress accused Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and others of filing a countersuit to retaliate against her for alleging sexual harassment and misconduct.

Lively asked for a comprehensive financial judgment, which includes attorneys’ fees, triple damages for alleged harm, and punitive damages to penalize what her lawyers see as an abuse of the legal system. This request marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal dispute, as Lively seeks to hold her adversaries financially accountable.

Lively’s representatives told Fox News Digital, ‘This settlement is a resounding victory for Blake Lively. By agreeing to this settlement and waiving their right to appeal, Justin Baldoni and all individual defendants now face personal liability for abusing the legal system to silence and intimidate Ms. Lively.’

Furthermore, they added, ‘By admitting that Ms. Lively’s concerns deserved to be heard, the defendants have ended the fiction that Ms. Lively fabricated claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. From the start, Blake Lively’s goal was clear: expose and hold accountable those who weaponize smear campaigns and retaliatory lawsuits to intimidate and silence survivors. That mission continues.’

In contrast, a representative for Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer challenged Lively’s claims, labeling the case outcome as a decisive win for their side.

‘Let’s be clear, this is a win and total victory for the Wayfarer parties,’ Bryan Freedman told Fox News Digital. ‘The court had already dismissed 10 of Ms. Lively’s 13 claims, including every sexual harassment claim, every defamation claim, and all claims against the individual defendants. Ms. Lively voluntarily dismissed the rest.’

Baldoni and Lively revealed that they had settled their nearly two-year legal dispute in a joint statement. The ‘It Ends With Us’ actors were scheduled to confront each other in court on May 18.

The legal conflict began after filming the Colleen Hoover-adapted movie ‘It Ends With Us.’ Lively alleged she suffered sexual harassment on set and filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024.

She outlined claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, emotional distress, and negligence against Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath in complaints filed with the California Civil Rights Department and later in federal court.

Meanwhile, Baldoni maintained that Lively wrongfully accused him to repair her image following negative press from the film’s promotion. His $400 million defamation lawsuit was dismissed by a judge in June 2025.

After over a year of legal battles, a federal judge allowed Lively’s retaliation claims to continue, emphasizing what she considered a coordinated effort by insiders to damage her reputation. However, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed most of Lively’s allegations against Baldoni, focusing the case on her retaliation and breach of contract claims as the trial neared.

Lively and Baldoni’s notice of settlement confirmed they had reached a final agreement, ensuring the same accusations would not return to court.