Blake Lively succeeds in having Justin Baldoni cover her legal expenses

Blake Lively Wins Legal Decision Against Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively has achieved a significant legal win in her ongoing dispute with Justin Baldoni.

A ruling by U.S. District Judge Louis J. Lehman indicated that Baldoni is required to cover Lively’s legal expenses linked to a defamation lawsuit he filed, which sought $400 million but was ultimately dismissed.

That said, Lively was unsuccessful in her attempt to secure triple damages and punitive damages.

Court documents reveal that Lively, known for her role in *Gossip Girl*, still has options to pursue other forms of damages, potentially through a separate lawsuit or counterclaim in federal court.

The court is yet to determine the amount Lively will receive for her court costs.

Lively’s attorneys stated that their client “has prevailed on her claim under Article 47(1) of the Civil Code,” emphasizing that there is no evidence of bad faith on her part, making her a successful defendant.

Although she didn’t win the total amount she sought, Lively’s lawyers expressed that she is “satisfied” with the outcome regarding her legal fees. They acknowledged a California law designed to help survivors hold accountable those who misuse online attacks and legal actions as a means to intimidate others.

It’s worth noting that a previous lawsuit from Baldoni against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist, in which he alleged defamation and extortion, also ended in dismissal in June 2025.

The conflict between the two began with Lively filing a sexual harassment lawsuit in December 2024. Following her claims, Baldoni countersued but ultimately saw his case dismissed. They finally came to a resolution last month after Judge Lehman dismissed ten of Lively’s thirteen claims against Baldoni.