Lively wins partial legal victory in Baldoni dispute

Court orders actor to pay legal fees but denies damages in defamation-linked case over 'It Ends with Us'

NEW YORK:

US actor Blake Lively has secured a partial legal victory in her long-running dispute with actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni, with a New York judge ruling that Baldoni must cover her legal fees but is not liable for damages.

US District Judge Lewis Liman delivered the ruling, bringing a limited conclusion to a contentious legal battle linked to the 2024 film 'It Ends with Us', in which both actors starred, with Baldoni also serving as director. The case had already been narrowed significantly after the parties reached a settlement in May.

The dispute stemmed from Lively's allegations that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate conduct on set, including comments about his personal life and efforts to alter the film to include unscripted sexual scenes. She also accused him of orchestrating a public relations campaign aimed at damaging her reputation following her complaints.

Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, had countered with a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, alleging they attempted to damage his reputation and exert control over the project. That suit was previously dismissed by the court.

In Friday's ruling, Judge Liman said Baldoni had not met the legal threshold to overcome privilege protections under a California law designed to shield harassment accusers from retaliatory defamation claims. The court also rejected Lively's request for punitive damages.

Although Lively was awarded legal fees, the court did not disclose the amount. Both sides have reportedly agreed not to appeal the decision, according to court filings, effectively closing another chapter in a dispute that has unfolded over several years. 'It Ends with Us', based on Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, proved a commercial success, grossing more than $350 million worldwide despite mixed critical reception, according to Box Office Mojo.