Justin Baldoni to Pay Blake Lively's Legal Fees in Final Legal Ruling
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- A judge has ordered Justin Baldoni to pay Blake Lively's legal fees but denied her request for additional compensatory and punitive damages related to the dismissal of his $400 million defamation suit.
- The ruling referenced California’s Weaponized Defamation Lawsuits Act, clarifying it does not allow bypassing federal procedural rules and limits relief to attorney fees without awarding damages.
- Baldoni’s countersuit was dismissed in June 2025, and while Lively initially accused him of fostering a toxic, discriminatory work environment, many claims were dismissed before trial.
- Lively’s lawyers sought triple compensatory and punitive damages, arguing she was the prevailing defendant, but the court found no evidence of malice by Baldoni or his company.
- Baldoni’s attorney emphasized the court's recognition of no sexual harassment or retaliation, asserting the defense of truth throughout the legal battle.