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, 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, laid out in a 19-page decision, 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.
Adding to the blow, Liman also shut down Baldoni’s libel claims against the Times, Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane, writing that the plaintiffs hadn’t proven anyone knowingly spread false information.
Lively’s camp wasn’t subtle in their response either. Her lawyers told Page Six they plan to go after Baldoni for attorneys’ fees, punitive damages, and more, calling the suit “abusive litigation.”
Fashion 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? Classic Christian Louboutin pumps. Her accessories, all Chanel, included a scarab handbag, drop earrings, a bold ring, and a small smile that said plenty.
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.
And just for a second—everything else melted away. The noise, the legal drama, the public pressure—it was background static to a night where she felt like Blake Lively again.
What the Court Really Said
Let’s unpack the legal meat of this.
Judge Liman didn’t just say there was “no there there.” He tore down every pillar of Baldoni’s complaint one by one. Here’s the core takeaway:
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Statements made by Lively in her official harassment complaint are legally protected.
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Additional comments allegedly made by Reynolds, Sloane, or the New York Times were not shown to be knowingly false, a key requirement for defamation cases.
| 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 |
Lively wasn’t quiet post-ruling either. She took to Instagram with a message that went beyond personal celebration.
She spoke 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.”
Short, raw, and real.
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. And she knows that not every woman has the money, power, or public platform to fight back when the system turns on them.
Her words resonated. The comments section lit up with support—from fans, fellow actresses, and even some quietly nodding attorneys.
A Red Carpet with Layers
The Chanel dinner wasn’t just another event on a busy Tribeca calendar—it was the kind of night that draws in artists, actors, and big-ticket insiders from across the city.
And yet, all eyes seemed to settle on one woman.
There were other A-listers, sure. Cameras clicked for Dakota Johnson and murmurs circled about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift sightings at recent weddings. But Blake? She was the moment.
Her presence had gravity. She wasn’t just there to look pretty or make small talk over hors d’oeuvres. Her look said it all: “I showed up. I didn’t fold. And I won.”
Even if she didn’t say a word on the carpet, she didn’t have to.
What Comes Next for Baldoni?
So far, Baldoni’s team hasn’t made a peep.
His original lawsuit claimed defamation, libel, and emotional distress after Lively filed her complaint during the production of their film It Ends With Us. He also alleged that a coordinated smear campaign was orchestrated to take him down.
But after this ruling, where does he go? The legal system just slammed the door on nearly every argument he raised. If he plans to appeal, it won’t be easy. And public perception? Let’s just say, the tide has turned.
His silence since the decision might say more than any press release ever could.
Category: News
Entertainment
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