Judge orders Justin Baldoni to cover Blake Lively's legal fees
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Key Points:
- A New York federal judge ruled that Justin Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios must pay Blake Lively's attorneys' fees following a settlement in Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni and the studio.
- The judge denied Lively's claim for punitive damages but awarded her attorneys' fees under California Civil Code Section 47.1, which protects prevailing defendants in defamation cases.
- Lively's attorneys stated the ruling affirms that she acted in good faith and highlighted the importance of laws protecting survivors from retaliatory lawsuits and online attacks.
- Baldoni's attorney emphasized that the attorney fees awarded were limited and reiterated that no sexual harassment, retaliation, or smear campaign occurred, asserting confidence in their defense.
- The legal dispute began in December 2024 with Lively's harassment complaint against Baldoni, followed by multiple lawsuits and countersuits, culminating in a settlement in May 2025, with both parties expressing a desire to move forward constructively.