Judge orders Justin Baldoni to pay Blake Lively's legal fees, denies damages

A federal judge has ordered actor Justin Baldoni to pay Blake Lively's legal fees in the ongoing legal dispute stemming from the film It Ends With Us, but denied Lively's request for punitive damages. The ruling, issued by Judge Lewis Liman, applies a California law protecting individuals who report sexual misconduct from retaliatory lawsuits. Both sides are claiming victory.

The ruling

Judge Liman found that Lively is entitled to reimbursement of attorney fees under California Civil Code Section 47.1, which requires a party who files a defamation lawsuit over sexual misconduct allegations to pay the other side's legal costs if the suit is dismissed and no malice is shown. "According to the record, there is no evidence of malice (by Lively). Therefore, she is entitled to reimbursement of attorney fees," the judge stated Source: Infobae. However, the judge rejected Lively's request for damages, ruling that the California law does not cover such compensation Source: Listín Diario.

Differing interpretations

Lively's legal team celebrated the decision, arguing it "makes clear that she presented her claims in good faith" Source: Excelsior MX. In contrast, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, maintained that the outcome is a win for his client, noting that many of Lively's more serious allegations, including harassment and defamation, were previously dismissed Source: Excelsior MX. The dispute arose after Lively accused Baldoni of inappropriate behavior during the filming of It Ends With Us and a subsequent smear campaign. Baldoni countersued, but his claim was dismissed. The parties reached a settlement in May 2025, avoiding a trial Source: Listín Diario. The judge's order on fees represents the final chapter in the legal battle.