Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have taken the first step in pushing back against Justin Baldoni’s massive $400 million lawsuit. The couple has formally notified a New York judge of their intent to have the case thrown out, according to legal filings obtained by Variety.
A Legal Battle Unfolds
Lively and Reynolds, through their attorney Michael J. Gottlieb, submitted a notice stating their plan to seek a dismissal of Baldoni’s lawsuit. The move comes in response to an earlier request by Judge Lewis Liman, who instructed all defendants to submit a brief statement outlining their intentions regarding the legal proceedings.
While the formal motion to dismiss has yet to be filed, the judge is expected to set a deadline soon. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s lawsuit continues to draw intense public scrutiny, with both sides making serious allegations against each other.
From On-Set Disputes to Courtroom Drama
The dispute stems from Lively’s allegations that Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of It Ends With Us, the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. According to the actress, Baldoni made inappropriate remarks and engaged in behavior that made her uncomfortable during production.
Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the film, has vehemently denied the claims. In response, he filed a defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane. His suit alleges that Lively intentionally spread false accusations to damage his career and reputation.
Additionally, Baldoni launched a separate $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the publication of publishing defamatory statements about him related to Lively’s claims.
Baldoni’s Counterclaims and Released Footage
In his lawsuit, Baldoni alleged that Lively overstepped her role in the film’s production, rewriting parts of the script and interfering in the creative process beyond her contractual obligations. He contends that her involvement caused significant disruptions on set.
To challenge Lively’s allegations, Baldoni released raw footage from the film, which he claimed proved his innocence. However, Lively’s legal team dismissed the footage as “damning,” arguing that it actually supported her claims rather than refuted them.
With both sides standing firm, the case has quickly turned into one of Hollywood’s most contentious legal battles in recent memory.
What’s Next?
A New York court has scheduled a trial for March 2026, leaving ample time for legal maneuvering from both parties. The first major hearing is set for Monday, where attorneys will address Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, and his public statements.
Lively’s legal team has accused Freedman of making extrajudicial comments that could influence potential jurors, a claim that could further complicate the case.
Meanwhile, representatives for all involved parties have remained silent, declining to comment on the ongoing litigation.
With major Hollywood names embroiled in a high-stakes legal war, this case is far from over. The coming months will determine whether Lively and Reynolds succeed in getting the case dismissed or if Baldoni’s claims make it to trial.
