Blake Lively Settles Claims Against Justin Baldoni, But Their Legal Fight Is Still Continuing

The legal fight between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken another turn after both sides reached a settlement on several claims connected to the 2024 movie It Ends with Us. However, the case is still not completely over.

According to reports from Variety, Lively is continuing to pursue a motion related to attorney fees after Baldoni’s earlier defamation lawsuit against her was dismissed. The motion was originally filed under a California law created to protect people who speak out about sexual abuse or harassment from retaliatory defamation lawsuits.

Lively accused Baldoni, who starred in and directed It Ends with Us, of sexual harassment during production. She also claimed there was an online campaign meant to damage her reputation after she raised concerns. While several of her claims were dismissed by Judge Lewis Liman last month, both sides later reached a settlement instead of moving forward with a federal trial.

Earlier this week, the two parties released a joint statement about the agreement. The statement said, “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard.” It also added that both sides remain committed to maintaining respectful and professional workplaces.

Even with the settlement in place, Lively’s legal team says the attorney fees motion remains important because it could help others who are afraid to speak publicly due to fear of defamation lawsuits.

Speaking to Variety, Lively’s attorney Sigrid McCawley said, “It allows her to help pave the way here.” She added, “This is really a space where she’s been able to do some great good for survivors, and she wants to continue that work.”

Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman disagreed with the idea that the settlement should be seen as a major win for Lively. He pointed out that several of her claims, including harassment and defamation accusations, had already been dismissed earlier in the case.

Freedman told Variety, “On April 2 that was gone… That’s when the victory happened. I’m not sure what we’re arguing about at this point.”

Lively’s team argues that California’s Protecting Survivors from Weaponized Defamation Lawsuits Act still applies because her original complaint was filed with the California Department of Civil Rights. Baldoni’s side argues the law should not apply because much of the alleged conduct happened in New York and New Jersey.

The judge could still decide whether Lively is entitled to damages and attorney fees. More legal filings are expected from both sides before any final decision is made.

Lively is also reportedly supporting new legislation in New York called the Speak Your Truth Act, which would create protections similar to California’s law for people speaking out about abuse and harassment.

For now, the courtroom battle may be smaller than before, but it has not fully ended. Both sides continue to publicly defend their positions while the remaining legal questions move forward.

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