Not every pair of lead actors in a film is going to get along in real life. Most don't end up lobbing $400 million lawsuits at each other, though.
The newest development in the legal whirlwind that's swept up Hollywood is a big one. On June 10, 2025, a federal judge dismissed lawsuits filed by actor and director Justin Baldoni against his co-star Blake Lively, her husband, the New York Times, and her publicist. Baldoni had alleged defamation, extortion, and other claims against the defendants.
U.S. Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that Lively's claims of sexual harassment made at the California Civil Rights Department against Baldoni were protected by the litigation privilege, which immunized her legal assertions from defamation actions. While both sides claimed victory with the decision, Lively's civil suit against Baldoni is scheduled to begin in March 2026. Baldoni has the option to amend and refile four of the seven charges from his suit related to contract issues.
It Doesn't Look Like It Ends With Us
Based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 novel of the same name, "It Ends With Us" is a romantic drama starring Lively and Baldoni as a couple in an abusive relationship. Baldoni also served as the film's director and is a co-founder of Wayfarer Studios, which co-produced the film. Released in August 2024, "It Ends With Us" overcame lukewarm reviews to become a commercial triumph, earning over $350 million in box office receipts worldwide against a budget of $25 million.
While Lively was criticized for not addressing some of the problematic themes present in "It Ends With Us" during the promotional tour, Baldoni was noticeably absent. Questions concerning him received vague answers before the subject was changed. Several people associated with the film, including Lively and Hoover, unfollowed Baldoni on Instagram.
In December 2024, Lively filed a complaint against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department, claiming sexual harassment and intimidation. This coincided with a New York Times article that reported Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios had hired a public relations firm to damage her reputation through social media posts.
Lively followed up with a lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer that echoed her Civil Rights Department complaint. Baldoni responded by suing the New York Times for defamation in December 2024, seeking $250 million in damages. He followed that up by targeting Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist in January 2025 for $400 million for extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
The entertainment world watched agog as the legal battle intensified. Lively's request for a gag order on Baldoni was denied. In May 2025, Baldoni attempted to subpoena music superstar Taylor Swift. He claimed that Lively had blackmailed Swift to team up with her husband Reynolds in order to pressure Baldoni into using Lively's rewrites for the film. Baldoni's submitted letter and affidavit regarding Swift were struck down as abuse of process by the court. Swift denied any involvement.
So, No Sequel?
Since Lively's allegations against Baldoni were protected by the litigation privilege, so too was the story published by the New York Times based on them. Despite the claims of Baldoni's attorneys that it was nothing more than a "vicious smear campaign," the case against the New York Times was dismissed.
Baldoni's suit against Lively and others can be amended and refiled, but not all of the charges. Only the four that deal with contractual issues can be resubmitted. Claiming that this proves Lively's culpability, his lawyers indicated that they intend to follow through. Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios is currently scheduled to begin in March 2026.
The court of public opinion has already weighed in. The actor's union SAG-AFTRA applauded her courage in speaking out and voiced its support. Baldoni was dropped by his talent agency, had his podcast co-host resign, and saw his Voices of Solidarity Award rescinded. He continues to maintain his innocence.
Related Resources
- What Is a Gag Order? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Libel, Slander, and Defamation Law: The Basics (FindLaw's Torts and Personal Injury Law)
- Sexual Harassment at Work (FindLaw's Employment Discrimination Law)
