Court Rules for Blake Lively in Legal Battle with Baldoni

On December 13, 2024, Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled in favor of Blake Lively, allowing her to recover legal fees incurred while defending against a countersuit filed by Justin Baldoni.

The court rejected Lively's request for punitive damages, stating that Baldoni's company, Wayfarer Studios, did not provide sufficient evidence of malicious intent behind Lively's claims. The judge referenced California law designed to protect victims of sexual harassment and discrimination, emphasizing that Lively's actions were made in good faith without malicious intent.

Lively's attorney, Michael Gottlieb, stated that the ruling affirmed her right to pursue legal fees. Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, argued that Lively exploited California law to demand $300 million in damages, which the judge dismissed.

The court previously dismissed Baldoni's countersuit and ruled that Lively was classified as an independent contractor during the film's production, not an employee.