Blake Lively seeks more than $8m in legal fees from Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively is seeking more than $8 million in legal fees and litigation costs from Justin Baldoni after a judge ruled that she is entitled to recover expenses incurred while defending against his dismissed defamation lawsuit.

According to newly filed court documents, Lively is requesting $8,035,040.88, comprising approximately $7.5 million in attorneys' fees and more than $539,000 in litigation expenses related to the high-profile legal dispute.

The request follows a ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman on June 12, 2026, which found that Lively could seek reimbursement under California Civil Code Section 47.1. The law protects people who report harassment or discrimination from retaliatory defamation lawsuits by allowing them to recover legal fees if they successfully defend such claims. However, the judge denied Lively's request for punitive and treble damages.

Lively's legal team argued that the amount reflects the extraordinary complexity of the case, which involved extensive legal filings, discovery and intense public scrutiny.

"The fees and costs incurred were reasonable and necessary in light of the scope and significance of the litigation," her attorneys said in the filing.

The legal battle began after Lively filed a complaint against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni denied the allegations and later filed a defamation countersuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds and others, which was ultimately dismissed.

The parties reached a broader settlement in May 2026, resolving Lively's remaining claims while leaving the issue of legal fees to be decided by the court.

Baldoni's legal team has opposed Lively's latest request, arguing that her victory was limited because the court rejected her bid for additional damages. They contend that the amount sought is excessive and should be substantially reduced.

Judge Liman has ordered Baldoni to file his response to Lively's request by July 13, 2026, after which the court will determine whether the full amount, or a reduced figure, should be awarded.