Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, one of Hollywood’s most prominent power couples, found themselves embroiled in a high-profile legal battle in 2025 involving fellow actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit, which has drawn significant media attention, centers on allegations of defamation, extortion, invasion of privacy, and workplace misconduct linked to the production of the film It Ends with Us.
Background: Origins of the Lawsuit
The origins of the legal conflict trace back to the 2024 production of It Ends with Us, co-starring Blake Lively, who also played a major creative role, and Justin Baldoni, who directed and starred in the film. Baldoni accused Lively and Reynolds of orchestrating a campaign to undermine his involvement in the project.
In January 2025, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, and others, alleging extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. He claimed that Lively leveraged false sexual harassment allegations to gain creative control, excluded him from key decisions, dismissed his editors, and barred him from the film’s premiere.
The lawsuit further alleged that Ryan Reynolds was involved in defamation by publicly labeling Baldoni a “predator” and pressuring his talent agent to drop him as a client.
Main Allegations
- Defamation: Claims that Lively and Reynolds damaged Baldoni’s personal and professional reputation through false allegations and disparaging statements.
- Extortion and Retaliation: Allegations that Lively used threaten-withdrawal tactics and sexual harassment accusations to gain control over the film’s production.
- Invasion of Privacy: The suit accused the defendants of orchestrating a smear campaign that infringed upon Baldoni’s privacy rights.
- Career Sabotage: Baldoni claimed Reynolds’s conduct and influence harmed his industry reputation and opportunities.
Legal Proceedings and Key Developments
Ryan Reynolds’ legal team sought dismissal of the defamation claims, arguing the statements were either opinions protected by the First Amendment or lacked sufficient evidence of malice. Reynolds also claimed his involvement was limited to supporting his spouse and was unrelated to workplace disputes.
On June 9, 2025, a federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s entire $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and associated defendants. The judge ruled that despite the severity of the allegations, the claims did not meet the legal standards required to proceed, particularly dismissing extortion claims as legally impermissible bargaining.
Baldoni chose not to amend or refile his claims against Lively and Reynolds, focusing instead on other legal options.
Public and Media Reaction
The legal dispute attracted wide media coverage, with public opinion divided. Fans expressed sympathy for both parties, while commentators debated the complexities of Hollywood power dynamics, workplace conduct, and the challenges of navigating creative control in film productions.
Throughout the case, Reynolds and Lively maintained relative silence publicly, focusing on their legal defense and personal lives.
Ongoing Litigation and Trial Outlook
While the lawsuit against Reynolds and Lively was dismissed, Blake Lively’s separate lawsuit against Baldoni alleging sexual harassment and retaliation continues, with a trial scheduled for March 9, 2026, in federal court in New York.
This ongoing case may further clarify the parties’ legal rights and responsibilities regarding workplace behavior and dispute resolution in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
The Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively lawsuit, linked to Justin Baldoni’s extensive legal claims, illustrates the complex interplay of personal, professional, and legal issues behind the scenes of high-profile film productions. The dismissal of Baldoni’s defamation suit against Reynolds marks a significant legal victory for the actor, although broader disputes between the parties remain unresolved.
This saga sheds light on the evolving landscape of defamation law, workplace rights, and power dynamics in Hollywood, serving as a cautionary tale for public figures navigating intricate legal and personal conflicts.
