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Blake Lively’s legal team is celebrating a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the production of It Ends With Us, as Justin Baldoni has officially chosen not to refile his previously dismissed $400 million countersuit. This turn comes after months of high-stakes allegations and legal maneuvering. Lively’s initial lawsuit, filed in late 2023, accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, maintaining a hostile work environment, and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. In response, Baldoni launched a sweeping countersuit targeting not only Lively but also her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and The New York Times, alleging defamation and extortion.
Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni’s claims in full. The court ruled that Lively’s statements made to the California Civil Rights Department were legally protected, and that The New York Times’ coverage was shielded by the fair-report privilege. This left Baldoni’s legal team with the narrow option to refile a breach-of-contract claim, which they have now opted not to pursue. While Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has said they will consider “additional legal options,” the high-value countersuit is no longer in play.
Lively’s team responded swiftly and strongly to the development, calling the court’s decision a complete legal win. In statements given to multiple outlets, her representatives characterized Baldoni’s lawsuit as baseless and accused his team of making misleading public statements about the possibility of refiling. They emphasized the dismissal as a full vindication not only for Lively but for Reynolds and others named in the countersuit.
Despite the setback, Baldoni’s camp remains defiant. His legal team continues to deny all allegations made by Lively, asserting there was no harassment or campaign to discredit her. They maintain confidence in their legal strategy moving forward, though what those next steps will be remains unclear.
Meanwhile, Blake Lively’s original lawsuit is still active and steadily moving toward trial, currently scheduled for March 2026. Discovery is underway, and among the more unexpected developments is Baldoni’s team seeking access to Lively’s private communications with her friend Taylor Swift, which could potentially play a role in shaping the case as it unfolds in the months ahead.