Justin Baldoni, an actor and director, has been involved in a high-profile legal dispute centered on allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and retaliation related to the production of the 2024 film “It Ends with Us.” The lawsuit, filed by his co-star Blake Lively and expanded with additional claims from Baldoni against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, The New York Times, and others, has captured extensive public and media attention.
Background of the Lawsuit
The legal battle began in December 2024, when Justin Baldoni filed a defamation lawsuit seeking $250 million against The New York Times for reporting what he claimed was an unverified and misleading narrative regarding sexual harassment allegations made by Blake Lively. In January 2025, Baldoni filed a $400 million suit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, alleging extortion and defamation, triggered by conflicts over creative control and public accusations during the film’s production.
Blake Lively responded by filing her own suit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation for raising concerns, escalating the conflict through mutual legal claims.
Parties and Case Context
Defendants in Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit include The New York Times, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. Lively’s claims allege sexual misconduct and retaliation. The case is concentrated in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, with a scheduled trial initially set for March 2026.
Details of Allegations
Baldoni alleges that Lively threatened to withdraw from promotional activities and manufacture false sexual harassment allegations to gain creative control and harm his reputation. The lawsuit claims a concerted smear campaign propagated by Lively’s public relations team.
Lively’s lawsuit asserts that Baldoni sexually harassed her on set and retaliated when she spoke up, negatively impacting her personal and professional life.
Legal Proceedings and Court Decisions
In June 2025, a judge dismissed Baldoni’s $400 million defamation countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and The New York Times, ruling that Lively’s statements were protected under litigation privilege and did not constitute defamation. The court found insufficient evidence of extortion or falsehoods in Lively’s claims. Lively’s case against Baldoni is set to proceed to trial in March 2026.
Baldoni also filed a separate lawsuit in July 2025 against insurers who refused to cover his legal costs related to the Lively lawsuit.
Impact and Public Reaction
The ongoing legal conflict has impacted both actors’ careers and public images, raising broader discussions about sexual harassment, workplace rights, and retaliation in the entertainment industry. The case underscores challenges in addressing misconduct allegations amid media and legal scrutiny.
Current Status and Outlook
As of August 2025, the defamation claim by Baldoni has been dismissed, while the sexual harassment and retaliation claims by Lively against Baldoni proceed toward trial. Additional legal actions, including disputes with insurers and subpoenas involving other public figures related to the case, continue to unfold.
Conclusion
The Justin Baldoni lawsuit exemplifies complex legal battles where personal misconduct allegations intersect with defamation claims and media coverage. Its development highlights the importance of due process, legal protections for complainants, and reputational considerations in high-profile workplaces. The upcoming trial scheduled for 2026 will be a significant milestone in this multifaceted dispute.
