She walked in with confidence, a bright smile, and not a trace of the storm she’s just weathered in court. Blake Lively didn’t just attend the Chanel Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner—she owned it. And it wasn’t just the flash of the cameras or the shimmer of her accessories that made her glow. It was the unmistakable look of vindication. On Monday night, just hours after a federal judge dismissed a jaw-dropping $400 million lawsuit filed against her by fellow actor and director Justin Baldoni, Lively stepped onto the red carpet looking relaxed, radiant, and at ease.
A Big Win and a Bigger Statement
Earlier that day, Judge Lewis J. Liman made headlines with a decision that sent shockwaves through entertainment circles. The judge tossed out Baldoni’s defamation and libel lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and the New York Times. That case stemmed from Lively’s public sexual harassment allegations against Baldoni, made in late 2024.
The ruling was blunt. Liman noted that Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios, didn’t have a leg to stand on when it came to blaming Lively for statements she made in her California Civil Rights Department complaint. Those, he said, were protected.
Lively’s camp wasn’t subtle in their response either. Her lawyers told Page Six they plan to go after Baldoni for attorneys’ fees and punitive damages, calling the suit “abusive litigation.”
Fashion that Speaks Louder than Words
Blake showed up to the Odeon, the venue for the Chanel-hosted dinner, dressed to stun—but not to scream. Her look felt calm, comfortable, and confident. She wore a delicate white crochet dress paired with a faded vintage denim jacket. On her feet were classic Christian Louboutin pumps.
Her accessories, all from Chanel, included:
- A scarab handbag
- Drop earrings
- A bold statement ring
She wasn’t trying to start a trend. She was making a point. Some people scream victory from rooftops. Others do it by holding their niece’s hand and walking into a high-profile event with grace, letting their quiet confidence do all the talking.
What the Court Really Said
Judge Liman didn’t just say there was “no there there.” He tore down every pillar of Baldoni’s complaint one by one. The ruling made it clear that key parts of the lawsuit were fundamentally flawed from the start.
The judge’s decision was based on established legal protections and a lack of evidence from the plaintiffs. Here is a simple breakdown of how the major components of the lawsuit were dismissed.
| Lawsuit Component | Judge’s Decision | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Lively’s harassment claims | Dismissed | Protected under California law |
| $250M defamation vs NY Times | Dismissed | No evidence of reckless disregard for the truth |
| Reynolds & Sloane allegations | Dismissed | No proof they doubted what they were saying |
A Message of Solidarity
Lively wasn’t quiet on social media after the ruling. She took to Instagram with a message that went beyond a personal celebration, speaking out for other women who feel silenced.
“I’m more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman’s right to have a voice,” she wrote, “including their safety, their integrity, their dignity and their story.”
She didn’t name Baldoni in the post, but the subtext was crystal clear. She’s been through the fire and made it out stronger. Her words resonated, and the comments section quickly filled with support from fans, fellow actresses, and legal professionals.
What Comes Next for Baldoni?
So far, Baldoni’s team has remained silent. His original lawsuit claimed defamation, libel, and emotional distress after Lively filed her complaint during the production of their film It Ends With Us.
But after this ruling, his options are limited. The legal system just slammed the door on nearly every argument he raised. If he plans to appeal, it will be an uphill battle. As for public perception, the tide has certainly turned. His silence since the decision might say more than any press release ever could.
