Judge Dismisses Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Lawsuit Against Blake Lively

A U.S. federal judge has officially dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, marking a major turn in one of Hollywood’s most publicized legal disputes. The conflict stemmed from tensions during the production of the 2024 film It Ends with Us, which both stars co-produced and acted in. Judge Lewis Liman issued the dismissal after Baldoni failed to meet a crucial filing deadline, effectively ending his side of the legal fight for now. However, Lively’s separate lawsuit against Baldoni remains ongoing.

The legal battle began in December 2024 when Blake Lively sued Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and running a smear campaign that damaged her reputation. Baldoni responded with a sweeping $400 million counterclaim, alleging defamation, civil extortion, and invasion of privacy. His lawsuit named Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and the New York Times as co-defendants. Both sides traded strong accusations that quickly captured national media attention.

Following the dismissal, Lively’s legal team described the ruling as a complete vindication, calling it a victory for truth and accountability. Baldoni’s attorneys initially vowed to continue the case, insisting that their client stood by his claims. However, the failure to submit an amended complaint by the court’s deadline suggests a major setback for the actor-director’s strategy.

The decision brings partial closure to a year-long Hollywood controversy that has drawn intense public interest and divided opinion. As proceedings related to Lively’s original lawsuit move forward into 2026, the case continues to fuel discussions about power, image, and accountability in the entertainment industry.