Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, issued a statement following a judge’s ruling that Blake Lively could recover attorney and litigation fees. This decision came after Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment. However, Judge Lewis J. Liman rejected her claims for triple damages and punitive damages.
Freedman stated that Lively’s attempt to sue Baldoni failed despite her demand for over $300 million. He emphasized that 10 out of her 13 claims were dismissed, and she received nothing upon settlement. Baldoni’s legal team insisted that there was no sexual harassment or smear campaign, and they would continue to seek justice.
Bryan Freedman remarked, “We fought and won against a coordinated effort built on allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and a smear campaign that never happened.” He further explained that Lively was awarded limited attorney fees for just one claim and that innocent reputations were wrongfully harmed.
In response, Lively’s legal team issued a statement accusing Freedman and his clients of dishonesty, emphasizing that her claims deserved to be heard. They expressed concern over Baldoni’s countersuit, perceiving it as an attempt to intimidate women who bring legal claims in good faith.
In late 2024, the legal conflict between Lively and Baldoni began when she accused him of harassment during the filming of “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni denied her allegations, countering with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others for defamation and extortion. He also pursued legal action against The New York Times regarding its reporting.
By June 2025, a federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit, noting that certain statements were legally protected. Nonetheless, the litigation continued through 2025 and into 2026. In May 2026, both parties reached a settlement that concluded much of the litigation without public disclosure of the terms.
The protracted legal battle saw both Lively’s and Baldoni’s claims being reduced before trial, demonstrating the complexities within the legal system in such high-profile cases.