Justin Baldoni’s attorney issued a pointed response following a judge’s decision that Blake Lively could reclaim her legal fees and court expenses. Judge Louis J. Lehman stated in writing that Lively could recover costs linked to a counterclaim that Baldoni filed after she initially sued him in December 2024. He also tripled the damages awarded, but denied Lively’s request for punitive damages.
On Friday, attorney Brian Friedman shared a statement, asserting that Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment against Baldoni had “failed.” He indicated that they had successfully defended against baseless claims of harassment and a smear campaign that, according to him, never occurred. Lively had pursued over $300 million in fees and damages, yet 10 of her 13 claims were dismissed, and she ultimately decided to settle, receiving nothing in the process.
Friedman remarked, “Despite the dismissal of all her harassment and defamation claims, Ms. Lively attempted to exploit a California law intended to protect genuine victims, resulting only in her continued failure.” He emphasized that justice had prevailed, expressing a commitment to uphold the truth.
“She failed again.”
— Brian Friedman
He continued, stating that throughout the lawsuit, which lasted just a few months, Lively was awarded only limited legal fees and nothing more. The reputations of innocent individuals, he claimed, were unfairly tarnished, insisting, “There was no harassment or retaliation. The court confirmed this, and we’ve maintained our position from the start.”
Concluding his comments, Friedman reiterated a readiness to fight for the truth again.
Lively’s legal team responded, asserting that Friedman and his clients utilized DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), calling it a web of lies. They countered, noting that claims like Lively’s should indeed be heard, rejecting Baldoni’s perspective that those who come forward with harassment allegations should face lawsuits.
Reflecting on the initial legal battle, which erupted in late 2024, Lively had accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during their film’s production, asserting that he had embarked on a campaign to damage her reputation following her complaints. Baldoni denied these allegations, standing firm that Lively’s claims were fabricated.
In January 2025, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, alleging defamation and extortion. Additionally, he took legal action against the New York Times for its reporting on the incident. However, by June 2025, a federal judge dismissed his counterclaim, finding many contested statements were legally protected and not sufficient for legal action.
As the litigation unfolded through 2025 and 2026, both parties had moments of claiming victory. While some of Lively’s original allegations were reduced or dismissed, a few connected to retaliation persisted. Ultimately, in May 2026, the two sides reached a settlement that concluded most outstanding matters, though they did not disclose the settlement terms.
