In a significant blow to Justin Baldoni, the director-and-star of "It Ends With Us" has faced a major setback as the judge dismissed his countersuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, as well as his lawsuit against The New York Times. On June 9, Monday, Judge Lewis J. Liman granted the motion to throw out the $400 million lawsuit filed by Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties against Lively and Reynolds, accusing them of extortion and defamation, along with the $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Times.
While granting the dismissal, the judge noted that Baldoni's legal team still has the option to amend the claims for breach of implied covenant and tortious interference with contract, with a deadline set for June 23. In his ruling, Judge Liman stated, "The Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Lively is responsible for any statements apart from those in her CRD complaint, which enjoy legal privilege." He further elaborated, "They have accused Reynolds and publicist Leslie Sloane of making additional statements alleging sexual misconduct against Baldoni, and the Times of making further accusations about a smear campaign by the Wayfarer Parties. However, they have failed to allege that Reynolds, Sloane, or the Times had serious doubts about the truthfulness of these statements based on the available information, which is essential for defamation claims under the law."
Adding to his decision, the judge said, "The Wayfarer Parties' other claims also fall flat. Therefore, the Amended Complaint must be dismissed entirely." Baldoni's attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Lively's lawyers, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, hailed the decision as a "complete victory and full vindication" for the actress and the others who were "dragged into this retaliatory lawsuit by Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times." They stated, "As we've maintained since the beginning, this '$400 million' lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw through it. We look forward to the next step, which is seeking attorneys' fees, treble damages, and punitive damages from the Wayfarer Parties for perpetrating this abusive litigation."
Sigrid McCawley, representing Lively's publicist Sloane, said in a statement, "Leslie Sloane has consistently maintained that she never defamed Baldoni or the Wayfarer Parties and was wrongfully included in this lawsuit due to the Wayfarer Parties' desire to tarnish her reputation. Today's Court decision confirms that Sloane did nothing wrong. She is fully vindicated, and justice has been served."
A spokesperson for The New York Times stated on June 9, "We are grateful to the court for recognizing this lawsuit as a meritless attempt to stifle honest reporting. Our journalists diligently and fairly covered a story of public importance, and the court acknowledged that the law aims to protect such journalism. We will continue to defend our journalism and journalists in court when their work is challenged."
The Times has consistently stood by its coverage of Lively's complaint, filed in December 2024, which led to her lawsuit against Baldoni. She has alleged sexual harassment and retaliation, which he denies, and her lawyers have previously described his countersuit as "vengeful" and "meritless." A Times spokesperson previously emphasized, "Our story was reported meticulously and responsibly."
Recently, Lively agreed to drop two of her claims against Baldoni — intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress — which her legal team described as a "routine part of the litigation process" to streamline and focus their case. In March, Baldoni's attorney Bryan Freedman spoke out after Lively filed a motion to dismiss their countersuit, saying her attempt to "disentangle herself from the self-created chaos she ignited is a blatant abuse of our legal system." He further stressed, "Strict rules are in place to protect the innocent and allow individuals to defend themselves justly. Laws are not meant to be manipulated by privileged individuals to suit their personal agendas."
The trial between Lively and Baldoni, during which both are expected to testify, is currently scheduled for March 2026.
