Blake Lively awarded legal fees in Justin Baldoni battle but denied bid for extra damages

The exact amount Lively could recover has not yet been determined and will be addressed in the future

Blake Lively has scored a partial legal victory in her long-running dispute with It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni after a judge ruled that she is entitled to recover attorney fees and litigation costs, while rejecting her attempt to pursue additional damages.

According to a new court ruling, US District Judge Lewis J Liman found that Lively can seek reimbursement for legal fees and costs related to Baldoni's defamation countersuit, which was previously dismissed. However, the judge denied her request to pursue treble damages and punitive damages under California law.

The decision marks the latest chapter in the legal saga stemming from the production of It Ends With Us, the 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel. The dispute began in December 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation connected to the film's production. Baldoni denied the allegations and later filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and others.

While Baldoni's countersuit was ultimately dismissed, Lively argued that she was entitled to further compensation as the prevailing party under California's protections for individuals who report harassment and subsequently face retaliatory defamation claims. Judge Liman agreed that she could seek attorney fees and costs but stopped short of allowing her to pursue enhanced financial penalties.

The exact amount Lively could recover has not yet been determined and will be addressed in future proceedings.

The ruling comes just weeks after Lively and Baldoni reached a settlement over the remaining claims tied to the It Ends With Us controversy, avoiding a trial that had been scheduled for May 18, 2026. The settlement ended the last active claims between the parties, though disagreements over legal fees and remedies continued.

Released in August 2024, It Ends With Us was a commercial success, grossing more than $351 million worldwide despite the controversy surrounding its production and promotional campaign. The film starred Lively as Lily Bloom and Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid, with Baldoni also serving as director.

Although both sides declared victory following their settlement, the latest ruling represents a notable win for Lively, who will now be able to seek repayment of significant legal expenses incurred during one of Hollywood's most closely watched legal battles.