• A judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400M lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and The New York Times.
• Blake Lively publicly addressed the legal win, highlighting the emotional toll and pledging support for women facing similar battles.
• Fans and legal experts praised Lively’s strength, sparking broader conversations about women’s rights, power dynamics, and legal intimidation.

Blake Lively is no stranger to the spotlight. This time, it wasn’t a red carpet or movie premiere that put her in the headlines—it was a legal battle. The dispute involved some of Hollywood’s biggest names, a bombshell lawsuit, and a stunning courtroom victory. On June 9, a federal judge officially dismissed a $400 million countersuit brought by actor-director Justin Baldoni against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their longtime publicist Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times. Just hours later, Lively finally broke her silence.

What followed wasn’t just a victory lap. It was a deeply personal statement that spoke to something bigger than herself—a message about justice and resilience. It emphasized standing tall in the face of what she called “retaliatory lawsuits.”

Lively’s Powerful Response to the Court’s Decision

Lively took to Instagram Stories to share her thoughts. She opened up about the emotional toll of being targeted in a lawsuit she describes as unjust and intimidating. “Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit,” she wrote. She spoke about the manufactured shame that tries to break people.

Her message wasn’t just about her personal relief. It was a rallying cry.

“While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back,” she continued. “I’m more resolved than ever to stand for every woman’s right to have a voice in protecting themselves.”

She included a list of organizations dedicated to women’s rights, domestic violence prevention, and legal aid for workplace discrimination. She pointed her 43 million followers toward causes she believes deserve support – closed her message with a note of gratitude: “With love and gratitude for the many who stood by me. Many of you I know. Many of you I don’t. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.”

The Story Behind the Lawsuit

So how did a Hollywood feel-good director like Baldoni end up on the other side of a legal clash with one of the industry’s most adored power couples?

It all began with creative tensions surrounding It Ends With Us, the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Baldoni, who directed and produced the movie, claimed that Blake Lively had taken the project out from under him. He alleged that she had “stolen” the film from him and his company, Wayfarer Studios, using her influence and threats to control the project.

But the claims didn’t stop there. Baldoni also alleged that Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane conspired with The New York Times to publish a damaging story. He claimed the story suggested he had behaved inappropriately toward Lively—an accusation that, if true, could have devastated his career.

He sought an eye-popping $400 million in damages, citing defamation, extortion, and reputational harm. On top of that, he filed a separate $250 million suit directly against The Times. He claimed the paper had knowingly spread false and defamatory statements.

The Judge’s Firm Rejection

Judge Lewis J. Liman wasn’t swayed by Baldoni’s arguments. In a comprehensive ruling, he stated that the claims lacked merit on multiple fronts. Specifically, he concluded that Baldoni’s team failed to prove that Lively’s alleged “threats” were anything more than aggressive—but legal—negotiations related to working conditions.

The judge emphasized that what Baldoni described as extortion could just as easily be interpreted as standard Hollywood deal-making. He stated, “The Wayfarer Parties have not adequately alleged that Lively’s threats were wrongful extortion rather than legally permissible hard bargaining,” Liman wrote.

As for the defamation claim against Lively, Reynolds, Sloane, and The New York Times, the judge said Baldoni’s legal team hadn’t shown that any of them had knowingly spread falsehoods. He wrote that there was no basis to conclude they “would have seriously doubted these statements were true based on the information available to them.”

In short: The law requires a higher standard of proof than mere suspicion or personal belief. Baldoni’s case fell far short of that bar.

His separate $250 million defamation case against The Times was also dismissed.

Still, the legal door isn’t entirely closed. Judge Liman gave Baldoni and his attorneys until June 23 to amend their complaint. This can happen if they believe they can present new evidence or stronger arguments.

Public Reaction: Applause, Outrage, and Unease

The court’s ruling set off a wave of reactions across social media, especially among fans of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Many expressed relief and admiration for Lively’s courage to speak out.

“This wasn’t just a win for Blake, it was a win for every woman who’s ever been threatened for using her voice,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Others, however, voiced concern over the broader implications of lawsuits like Baldoni’s. “The fact that this kind of thing even gets this far is chilling,” another wrote. “Imagine if she didn’t have money or fame—what then?”

Legal experts chimed in too, warning that high-profile retaliatory lawsuits could become a tool to silence people, especially women, who speak out against powerful figures. Some compared it to the rise in SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) cases. These lawsuits are intended to intimidate and silence critics through costly legal battles.

A Bigger Conversation About Power and Voice

Lively’s statement did more than just thank her supporters. It helped frame the situation in a larger context—one that stretches beyond movie sets and celebrity status.

By calling attention to issues like domestic violence, workplace harassment, and women’s rights, she reminded her audience that her courtroom battle is just one of many. While she had the resources to defend herself, she pointed to a harsh reality: countless women don’t.

Her message struck a chord with advocates and women’s rights organizations. Many applauded her for using her platform to highlight inequality in the legal system.

“This is exactly why we need high-profile women to speak up,” said an attorney from the National Women’s Law Center. “Because when they do, they make space for others to be heard too.”

What’s Next for Everyone Involved?

As of now, Baldoni has until June 23 to rework his case. Legal analysts say it’s unlikely any future version of the complaint will fare better without new, credible evidence. Meanwhile, Lively and Reynolds seem ready to move forward—and possibly put this chapter behind them for good.

Still, this lawsuit has left a mark. It’s been a reminder that fame doesn’t shield anyone from legal threats or emotional distress. For Lively, it has added another layer to her already complex public image. She is not just an actress or fashion icon, but someone willing to fight—quietly but fiercely—for her voice, her integrity, and for others without a platform.

Whatever happens next, one thing is clear: Blake Lively has turned a courtroom battle into a larger conversation about justice and strength. It is also a conversation about the power of speaking up. For many watching from the sidelines, that might be the most important victory of all.