Blake Lively has secured a victory after rekindling her long-running legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
According to court documents obtained by Page sixa federal judge has ruled that Baldoni must cover the actress’ legal fees related to his dismissed $400 million defamation suit against her.
While the court sided with Lively on legal fees, the actress was denied her request for treble damages and punitive damages. However, the verdict leaves the door open for her to seek compensation through other legal channels in the future.
Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Michael Gottlieb, celebrated the decision in a statement and thanked California’s laws that “create an avenue for survivors to hold accountable those who weaponize online attacks and retaliatory lawsuits to intimidate and silence survivors.”
The legal battle began when Lively sued her It ends with us actor in December 2024 alleging sexual harassment. Baldoni denied the allegations and responded with a $400 million countersuit accusing Lively, Reynolds and Sloane of defamation and extortion.
Just before their trial in May, Lively and Baldoni reached a settlement. However Gossip Girl alum resumed the legal battle soon after by demanding that it Virgin Jane star pays his legal fees.
