Blake Lively Granted Legal Fees in Court Battle with Justin Baldoni

A federal judge has awarded Blake Lively attorneys’ fees from her legal dispute with Justin Baldoni. The ruling did not specify the amount of the fees. The decision follows a settlement regarding a retaliation claim linked to the making of the 2024 film “It Ends With Us.”

Ms. Lively’s claims arose as the two parties prepared for a trial in Manhattan’s Federal District Court. Despite not receiving financial compensation in the settlement, she aimed to secure a payout through different legal means.

Her lawyers used a two-year-old California law intended to prevent defamation suits from intimidating individuals who file harassment complaints. Ms. Lively alleged that Mr. Baldoni led a retaliatory online effort against her after she reported sexual harassment on set.

Mr. Baldoni’s legal team argued that Ms. Lively misrepresented their interactions to gain control over the film’s production. Judge Liman’s 47-page order ruled in favor of Ms. Lively, stating her complaints met the law’s requirement to be made without malice.

“Allegations are insufficient on their own to demonstrate that statements were in fact made with malice,” Judge Liman noted. “That determination requires some evidence.”

Ms. Lively’s legal team has not yet specified the amount for legal fees owed; these fees are subject to challenges by Mr. Baldoni’s representatives.

The judge rejected Ms. Lively’s request for treble and punitive damages under the legal strategy she employed. Both sides agreed not to appeal the ruling.

Neither Ms. Lively’s nor Mr. Baldoni’s representatives have provided comments on the decision.