Justin Baldoni’s high-stakes legal battle has ended in total collapse, as a judge has officially dismissed all of his defamation claims against actress Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times.
According to newly obtained court documents, the judge ruled against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, on every front — dealing a massive blow to their $400 million legal offensive.
Correction Issued: TMZ Clarifies Filing Mix-Up
🕗 Update — 9/10 8:00 AM PT:
In an earlier version of this report, TMZ incorrectly stated that Baldoni’s legal team had filed a motion to dismiss Blake Lively’s claims against him. That was inaccurate.
The Case: $400M Smear Campaign Allegation Falls Flat
Baldoni had accused Lively, Reynolds, and The Times of launching a “smear campaign” targeting him and Wayfarer Studios following chaos on the set of It Ends With Us — the film adaptation he directed and co-starred in.
Baldoni claimed The New York Times published a “defamatory and dramatized” story that twisted his private messages and emails to make him look like the villain. His camp sought $400 million in damages from Lively and Reynolds, and $250 million from the Times.
Judge’s Ruling: No Defamation Found
But the court wasn’t buying it. The judge ruled that:
- Blake Lively’s statements were part of a civil rights complaint, which is protected by law.
- The New York Times’ reporting was based on that complaint and did not show any signs of bias or malicious intent.
- Reynolds’ statements, including the alleged claim that Baldoni was a “sexual predator,” were tied to Lively’s protected complaint and thus could not be considered independently defamatory.
“The Times reviewed the available evidence and reported, perhaps in a dramatized manner, what it believed to have happened,” the judge wrote. “The Times had no obvious motive to favor Lively’s version of events.”
Blake’s Legal Team Celebrates Court Victory
Attorneys Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, representing Lively, issued a strong statement after the ruling:
“Today’s opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit… This $400 million lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it.”
The New York Times Responds
A spokesperson for The New York Times echoed similar sentiments:
“We are grateful to the court for seeing the lawsuit against The New York Times for what it was: a meritless attempt to stifle honest reporting… We will continue to stand up in court for our journalism and for our journalists.”
What’s Next for Baldoni?
While Blake Lively’s claims against Baldoni remain intact, his legal hopes of reclaiming his reputation through the courts have effectively been shut down. Baldoni’s legal team has not issued a comment on the defeat.
It’s unclear whether Baldoni will appeal the decision or seek to settle Lively’s claims against him out of court.
Background: Drama Behind It Ends With Us
The legal war stems from behind-the-scenes tension on the set of the film It Ends With Us — a project originally celebrated for its star power and emotional depth. Reports of misconduct, creative clashes, and personal allegations quickly turned the production into a media spectacle.
The New York Times’ explosive coverage — allegedly backed by text messages, emails, and insider testimony — painted Baldoni in an unflattering light. Lively’s complaint, which formed the basis of the article, included serious allegations of misconduct, some of which led to Reynolds reportedly distancing himself from Baldoni.
Final Thoughts
This landmark dismissal sends a clear message about free speech, press protections, and the risks of retaliatory lawsuits in the age of celebrity transparency.
As the dust settles, all eyes are now on Blake Lively’s pending case — and whether more legal fallout is on the horizon.
