Blake Lively Seeks Millions From Justin Baldoni Over Dismissed Defamation Suit

Blake Lively Fights Back with Million-Dollar Claim

Hey, darlings, buckle up for the latest Hollywood showdown! Blake Lively is not holding back, as she’s now demanding millions from Justin Baldoni after his hefty $400 million (£294 million) defamation lawsuit against her got tossed out. The *Gossip Girl* alum’s legal team filed a motion on Monday, September 8, arguing that Baldoni’s suit was nothing short of frivolous - and they want him to foot the bill for the mess he created.

Lively isn’t just asking for attorney fees to cover the legal drama. She’s also seeking compensation for the economic, emotional, and psychological toll this ordeal has taken, plus punitive damages for what her team calls an abuse of the court system. Talk about a fierce comeback - Blake’s ready to make sure this chapter closes on her terms!

“I’ve endured the weight of a retaliatory lawsuit, just like so many others, but I’m more determined than ever to stand up for every woman’s right to protect their story and dignity,” Lively shared in a heartfelt Instagram Story post after the dismissal of Baldoni’s suit.

The Backstory: A Tangled Web of Allegations

Let’s rewind a bit for those just tuning in. Baldoni, who starred alongside Lively in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s *It Ends With Us* (where he also played her abusive on-screen partner), filed the defamation suit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and even *The New York Times*. His claim? That the power couple orchestrated a smear campaign with false sexual harassment allegations to tank his career.

But Lively flipped the script last December 2024, filing her own lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on set. New York federal Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni’s defamation case in June, and now a trial on Lively’s allegations is slated for spring next year. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and we’re all eyes on this unfolding saga.

Adding fuel to the fire, Baldoni’s legal team has argued that Lively fabricated her claims as a “malicious effort” to seize control of the *It Ends With Us* production. Meanwhile, Lively’s camp is standing firm, ready to fight for justice - and they’ve got some legal backup to bolster their case.

Legal Protections and the Road Ahead

Here’s where it gets even juicier. Lively’s latest motion leans on the Protecting Survivors from Weaponised Defamation Lawsuits Act, signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023. This legislation shields victims of sexual harassment who speak out with a “reasonable basis” and without malice from facing retaliatory defamation suits - and Lively’s team insists she meets every criterion.

While Judge Liman dismissed Baldoni’s suit, he hasn’t yet ruled on whether this specific act applies to Lively’s situation, leaving room for more courtroom twists. Baldoni’s attorneys are pushing back, claiming the law doesn’t fit, but Lively’s side is requesting damages under the act and, if necessary, a hearing to settle the amount. Can we say drama with a capital D?

We’ve reached out to representatives for both Lively and Baldoni for comment, but one thing’s clear: this battle is far from over. As Lively herself said after the dismissal, she’s committed to amplifying survivors’ voices - and we’re here for every moment of this empowering stand. Stay tuned, loves, because this Hollywood clash is only heating up!