What started as an intense behind-the-scenes drama for It Ends With Us has now turned into one of Hollywood’s most closely-watched legal battles.
And the latest development? A massive $400 million countersuit filed by Justin Baldoni against Blake Lively has just been thrown out by the court.
The ruling has sent shockwaves through both camps — and emotions are running high.
Let’s break down what really happened, what both sides are saying, and why this might not be the end of the road just yet.
The Lawsuit That Shook the Industry
Back in December 2024, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us. Baldoni fiercely denied those claims and, in response, he and his company Wayfarer Studios fired back with a defamation suit.
The targets? Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, her longtime publicist Leslie Sloane, and even The New York Times — the latter for publishing a bombshell exposé on the allegations.
But in a stunning twist, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit.
The court ruled that Lively’s statements were protected as part of court proceedings and couldn’t be used as grounds for defamation or extortion.
“A Huge Kick to the Guts”: Baldoni Reacts
According to a source close to Baldoni, the actor was deeply affected by the ruling.
“It’s a huge kick to the guts,” the insider shared with DailyMail.com, describing a clear emotional divide between the two camps.
Despite the setback, Baldoni isn’t throwing in the towel just yet.
The judge gave him until June 23 to revise and potentially refile contract-related claims.
The source emphasized that Baldoni still has “full trust” in his legal team and is strategizing his next move.
Blake Lively Speaks Out: “Happy Tears” and a Message of Strength
Meanwhile, Blake Lively responded publicly with a statement posted on social media — and her tone was both emotional and resolute.
“Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organizations united in defending women’s rights to speak up for their safety,” she began.
She reflected on the difficulty of facing a retaliatory lawsuit and said she was “more resolved than ever” to stand up for others who find themselves in similar situations.
Lively also shared a list of advocacy groups for women in crisis and ended her message with heartfelt thanks: “Many of you I know.
Many of you I don’t. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.”
A Total Legal Victory, Says Team Lively
Lively’s legal team didn’t hold back either. In a statement obtained by DailyMail.com, they called the ruling a “total victory and a complete vindication” not only for Lively but also for those Baldoni had “dragged into” the countersuit — including Reynolds, Sloane, and The New York Times.
They accused Baldoni’s side of engaging in “abusive litigation,” and signaled that they’re now preparing to seek attorneys’ fees and punitive damages in return.
Behind the Scenes: Lively’s Emotional Relief
According to someone close to Lively, the actress was overwhelmed with emotion when she heard the news.
“She cried with relief,” the insider said. “All the tears were happy tears.”
The ruling, they added, felt like a major burden had finally been lifted from her shoulders.
Marvel Studios Quietly Steps Out of the Drama
In a lesser-known but intriguing subplot, Baldoni’s legal team had also subpoenaed Marvel Entertainment.
Why? They alleged that a Deadpool character named “Nicepool” was created to mock and harass him.
But the court also shut that door, granting Marvel’s request to dismiss the subpoena and protecting the studio’s internal documents.
Disney CEO Bob Iger and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige had even been contacted in January to preserve related materials — but the judge ruled Marvel didn’t need to be involved.
What Sparked the Fire Between Lively and Baldoni?
While the legal action officially began last year, rumors of tension between the two co-stars had swirled for months.
Lively’s original lawsuit named not just Baldoni, but a long list of collaborators including Wayfarer Studios, its CEO, and two key PR representatives.
Baldoni has continued to deny all allegations.
On the other side, Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane have denied all claims brought against them in Baldoni’s countersuit.
So… What Happens Next?
Even though Baldoni’s case has been dismissed, the legal back-and-forth might not be over.
His team has been given an opening to revise part of their complaint, and according to the source, “the fight continues.”
Lively may be savoring this victory for now, but with more potential courtroom drama ahead, this Hollywood legal saga might just be entering a new chapter.
