A judge has dismissed the lawsuit brought by actor and director Justin Baldoni against his co-star Blake Lively from the film “It Ends With Us.” This legal dispute erupted after Lively filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by Baldoni.
U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Liman made the ruling, which is part of a larger, contentious legal battle that began late last year. Lively accused Baldoni of misconduct, and Baldoni countered in January with a hefty $400 million countersuit, claiming defamation and extortion against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds.
The judge indicated that Baldoni cannot claim defamation regarding statements made in Lively’s lawsuit, as such claims are protected under the law. Additionally, the judge noted that Baldoni’s accusations of Lively allegedly stealing creative control of the film do not meet the legal criteria for extortion in California.
While Lively was alleged to have threatened to withhold promotional efforts for the film, the judge commented that there was no evidence she was contractually obligated to promote it. Baldoni’s legal team now has the chance to revise their suit if they wish to explore different avenues related to a potential breach of contract.
“It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, premiered in August, to strong box office success with a debut of $50 million, despite some concerns over the tensions between Lively and Baldoni.
The judge also dismissed Baldoni’s defamation claim against The New York Times, which had reported on Lively’s allegations. In a statement, Lively’s attorneys expressed satisfaction with the ruling, describing it as a complete victory. They also indicated intention to pursue legal fees and additional damages.
The New York Times remarked that they appreciated the court’s recognition of the meritless nature of Baldoni’s lawsuit, arguing it was an attempt to suppress truthful journalism.
In the entertainment world, Blake Lively rose to fame through roles in films like “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and the series “Gossip Girl.” Baldoni is known for his lead role in “Jane the Virgin” and his directorial work on films such as “Five Feet Apart.”
