While Justin Baldoni’s suit against Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds has been dismissed, she isn’t done fighting her claims against her “It Ends With Us” director and co-star - and Baldoni isn’t done fighting back. Michael Gottlieb, the attorney representing Lively in her civil sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against Baldoni, told CNN the actress intends to continue pursuing her lawsuit against Baldoni. In a conversation with Jake Tapper on Monday, Gottlieb said Lively is “determined to see her claims through and to pursue them to have a full public accountability of what she’s alleged happened to her.” His statement came the same day a judge dismissed Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, as well as their publicist. He also dismissed a separate claim from Baldoni against the New York Times, who first reported Lively’s allegations. Gottlieb added that the power couple feels “vindicated” by the ruling, as well as “grateful to the individuals and organizations that have stood by Ms. Lively as she’s pursued these claims.” “I think that today is a message that these kind of retaliatory lawsuits that are really designed to silence and punish people who speak up won’t work. They are not going to work. They won’t be tolerated by our justice system and they will not be successful,” Gottlieb added. “And I think that’s an important message for those who want to speak up against the mistreatment that they may face in their workplaces.” Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, responded with a statement provided to CNN on Tuesday. “Ms. Lively and her team’s predictable declaration of victory is false, so let us be clear about the latest ruling,” he said. “The Court has invited us to amend four out of the seven claims against Ms. Lively, which will showcase additional evidence and refined allegations. This case is about false accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation and a nonexistent smear campaign,” the statement continued. “With the facts on our side, we march forward with the same confidence that we had when Ms. Lively and her cohorts initiated this battle and look forward to her forthcoming deposition, which I will be taking. Freedman ended his statement by thanking “the Internet sleuth community who continue to cover the case with discernment and integrity.” It was yet another chapter in a nearly year-long legal feud between Lively and Baldoni, which grew to include Reynolds, the couple’s publicist, Leslie Sloan, and the New York Times. Lively filed a civil rights complaint in December 2024 claiming that she was sexually harassed by Baldoni during production of the film and then was retaliated against for speaking up about her alleged mistreatment. He quickly denied her claims, fling suit against her and Reynolds in January 2025 alleging that the superstar couple sought to “destroy” him and his career, after hijacking his film, “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni also sued the New York Times as the first to report on Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment alleging that the newspaper published an article “rife with inaccuracies, misrepresentations, and omissions” that relied on Lively’s “self-serving narrative.” Motions to dismiss filed by Lively, Reynolds, Sloan and the New York Times were all granted on Monday. “We are grateful to the court for seeing the lawsuit for what it was: a meritless attempt to stifle honest reporting,” a spokesperson for the New York Times said on Monday. “Our journalists went out and covered carefully and fairly a story of public importance, and the court recognized that the law is designed to protect just that sort of journalism. We will continue to stand up in court for our journalism and for our journalists when their work comes under attack.” In his ruling Monday, the judge held that Baldoni can file an amended complaint on the allegations of tortious interference with contract, relating to Reynolds and Lively, and breach of implied covenant, relating to Lively, by June 23. Gottlieb acknowledged that the judge’s ruling allowed for Baldoni to file an amended complaint relating to what he called “ancillary or side claims,” but he underscored that the core defamation allegations are “gone from the case.”
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s legal fight isn’t over
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Lively to Continue Legal Action Against Baldoni Following Dismissal of His Lawsuit"
CNN
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
In the ongoing legal battle between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, the situation remains complex as Lively's claims against Baldoni are set to continue despite a recent court ruling. Baldoni's substantial $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist was dismissed by a judge, which was met with a statement from Lively's attorney, Michael Gottlieb. He expressed Lively's determination to pursue her civil sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against Baldoni, emphasizing the importance of accountability for the alleged incidents. Gottlieb indicated that the ruling provided a sense of vindication for Lively and Reynolds, reinforcing their belief that retaliatory lawsuits aimed at silencing victims will not prevail in the legal system. This sentiment was echoed by a spokesperson for the New York Times, which was also sued by Baldoni for its reporting on Lively's allegations. The court's decision to dismiss the claims against Lively and the Times was seen as a victory for responsible journalism and the protection of those who speak out against workplace mistreatment.
Conversely, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, countered that the ruling does not reflect a complete victory for Lively. He noted that the court's dismissal of the primary claims does not preclude Baldoni from amending four out of seven claims against her, suggesting that the case is far from over. Freedman characterized the ongoing legal feud as rooted in false accusations and a smear campaign against Baldoni. As the legal proceedings unfold, both sides remain committed to their respective positions, with Lively's team expressing confidence in the pursuit of justice and Baldoni's legal representatives preparing to advance their claims. This dispute, which began with Lively's allegations of harassment during the filming of 'It Ends With Us,' has expanded to involve multiple parties and has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the complexities of addressing allegations of sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article delves into the ongoing legal dispute between actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, revealing the complexities of their allegations and counter-allegations. The dismissal of Baldoni's lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, does not signal the end of the conflict, as Lively intends to persist with her claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. This situation highlights the broader implications of such legal battles within the entertainment industry, particularly in the context of the #MeToo movement.
Legal Context and Implications
The dismissal of Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit is a significant moment, as it suggests a potential shift in how courts may handle retaliatory lawsuits in response to allegations of misconduct. Lively's attorney emphasizes the importance of public accountability, indicating that the case may resonate with individuals who have experienced similar issues in the workplace. This could encourage more people to come forward with their own allegations, impacting the culture of silence that often surrounds such matters.
Public Perception and Narrative Control
The statements from both sides reveal a strategic approach to shaping public perception. Lively's team frames the dismissal as a validation of her claims, while Baldoni's legal representation counters by asserting that the court has allowed them to amend their claims, suggesting that the fight is far from over. This back-and-forth not only serves to control the narrative but also reflects a larger battle over how allegations of sexual misconduct are perceived and addressed in public discourse.
Potential Concealment of Other Issues
While the article focuses on the legal battle, it may also serve to divert attention from other underlying issues within the entertainment industry, such as systemic problems related to power dynamics and accountability. The high-profile nature of this dispute could overshadow other cases or systemic changes that are needed in Hollywood and beyond.
Manipulative Elements in the Reporting
There is a degree of manipulative language present, particularly in the framing of Lively's determination and Baldoni's insistence on the validity of his claims. The choice of words, such as "vindicated" and "false accusations," suggests an attempt to sway public opinion in favor of one side or the other. This could lead to increased polarization among audiences, as supporters of each actor may rally around their respective narratives.
Connection to Broader Trends
This legal battle is emblematic of the ongoing conversation surrounding sexual harassment and accountability in various industries. The article likely resonates with communities advocating for change and justice for victims, particularly in the wake of increased scrutiny on such issues.
Market and Economic Implications
While the news may not have immediate implications for stock markets or specific industries, it could influence public sentiment towards the entertainment sector. If Lively and Reynolds' brand continues to be supported by their fans, it could positively impact their projects and associated financial ventures. Conversely, if Baldoni's reputation suffers, it may affect his future opportunities in Hollywood.
Global Power Dynamics
In terms of global relevance, this case reflects ongoing societal discussions about power dynamics, especially in industries where fame and influence can overshadow ethical considerations. As such, it aligns with current global movements advocating for justice and accountability, making it relevant to a wide audience.
The writing style of the article suggests a straightforward approach, likely influenced by journalistic standards rather than AI assistance. However, if AI were involved, it might have shaped the narrative to emphasize conflict and drama, which are common in high-profile legal battles.
In conclusion, the reliability of the article can be gauged by its balanced representation of both sides, although the framing may lean towards sensationalism. The emphasis on public accountability and the personal stakes involved in the legal dispute adds layers of complexity that warrant further scrutiny.