Actress Blake Lively secured a courtroom victory on June 9 when a judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit, ruling that her allegations are legally protected speech. The decision marks a pivotal moment in Lively’s legal battle over her accusations of sexual harassment against the It Ends With Us director.
A day after the ruling, Lively issued a statement saying she had felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit and she is more determined than ever to protect women’s voices and safety. Her message resonated strongly with #MeToo advocates and legal experts.
What the defamation ruling means
The dismissal confirms that Lively’s claims of fat-shaming, inappropriate behavior, and intrusion while breastfeeding were made in good faith and cannot be deemed defamatory. However, the judge kept two other claims alive against Baldoni, allowing the legal process to continue.
In court documents obtained by Star Magazine, Baldoni’s attorney described Lively’s claims as false and vowed to press forward with confidence. The attorney called on the “internet sleuth community” that uncovered allegedly damaging evidence to thank them for contributing to Baldoni’s defense.
Allegations at the heart of the case
Lively first alleged that Baldoni made unwanted comments about her body, publicly overshared private sexual information, and entered her trailer unexpectedly while she was breastfeeding. These allegations formed the core of her suit, which alleged a pattern of misconduct and intimidation.
Lively’s legal team argued these events constitute protected speech under California law, citing precedent that protects discussion of alleged wrongdoing. The judge agreed those protections applied to her statements, dismissing Baldoni’s defamation claim as barred by law.
Next chapters in the court battle
Although Lively celebrated the win, her case is far from over. She is pursuing the remaining claims, including charges of sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni’s estranged attorney announced plans to vigorously defend against the remaining allegations, calling the dispute ongoing.
According to a tip to Star Magazine, neither party is ready to back down. Sources said Baldoni refuses to accept defeat and that some of his friends urged him to settle, but he remains firm. Meanwhile, Lively continues to stand by her decisions, stating she has endured intense scrutiny yet believes she’s done the right thing.
The court is scheduled to review the remaining claims in March 2026. As both camps prepare for the next hearing, public interest remains high around what this next round may reveal—and how it could reshape the conversation around workplace harassment and defamation protections.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.