New York judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Justin Baldoni's $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, stating that Baldoni did not adequately prove his claims of extortion and defamation. The judge also noted that Lively's statements were protected under legal privileges related to her harassment allegations.
Problems with the case
Lack of Supporting Evidence
For the claims of Civil Extortion and Defamation, there was a lack of evidence in proving that extortion or defamation took place. In the pleadings, there was a lot of allegations that Lively was difficult, tried to take over the film and was uncooperative about doing promotion for the film. Lastly, to the press, WME stated that the decision to drop Justin Baldoni was not influenced by Lively or her husband, Ryan Reynolds. The lack of any proof for the interference, harm, economic loss claim explains why the suit was dismissed.Lack of Supporting Evidence
- Baldoni's WME agent stated that Ryan Reynolds made deprecating statements about Baldoni, however, no affidavit, deposition or documentation supported these claims.
- It was stated that a senior executive was approached about how Baldoni was a "sexual predator" by Ryan Reynolds but this witness was not deposed.
- A letter cutting ties with WME and the possible reasons for that were not attached to Exhibit A. The reasons would likely be listed even partially but this document is notably absent.
- the assertion that Stephanie Jones behaved erractically which lead to cutting ties with her was not supported. She allegedly sent a few emails when her reputation was being sullied. Her behavior was reasonable unlike what was characterized in Exhibit A.
- Jennifer Abel's emails regarding her resignation were one-sided and didn't support the narrative. Example, Abel resigned on July 10, 2024 and is asking Jones for crisis PR recommendations. Then the document states that Jones tried to undermine hiring Nathan by calling her "shady" even though detailed on page 106 of the Exhibit A in texts between Jones and Abel, Jones states that it was Abel that had referred to Nathan as "shady."
- There are numerous inconsistencies that make the allegations of Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios seem questionable at best.
Key Findings:
- The court concluded that Lively's initial complaint to the Civil Rights Department or CRD was a protected statement and not defamation.
- There was also the issue of legal insufficiency of Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios claims.
- The complaint didn't support that the statements were false and the claim of harm was stated insufficiently, though the claims of the statements being made to a third party, and did not fall under privilege were more clearly asserted and supported.
Limited Recourse:
- While the primary claims were dismissed, the judge allowed Baldoni's legal team to amend and refile claims relating to tortious interference with contract and breach of implied covenant. However, other claims were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled.
Lively's legal team stated that the dismissal was a "total victory and a complete vindication". They called the lawsuit a "sham" and indicated they intend to pursue attorneys' fees and damages.
Ongoing Legal Battle:
The legal battle is not entirely over, as Lively's original lawsuit against Baldoni regarding sexual harassment and retaliation is still scheduled for trial in March 2026.
1:25-cv-00449-LJL Wayfarer Studios LLC et al v. Lively et al Lewis J. Liman, presiding
- The statement was not true, and the person who published the statement knew that it was not true.
Docket Text
Opinion and Order re: (105 in 1:24-cv-10049-LJL) Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint. filed by The New York Times Company, (132 in 1:24-cv-10049-LJL) was granted.
was dismissed on January 30, 2025
This judgment was filed In Cases: 1:24-cv-10049-LJL 1:25-cv-00449-LJL
Necessary Parts of a Defamation Lawsuit
Legally, defamation is a statement that injures a third party's reputation and is untrue, causing harm. It includes both libel (written statements) and slander (spoken statements), and the plaintiff must prove that the statement was published to someone other than themselves.
The 5 Elements of Defamation
- A false statement of fact was made
- The statement made was published in some fashion, meaning it was told to others either verbally or in writing.- The statement was not true, and the person who published the statement knew that it was not true.
- The statement caused the victim harm or injury, emotionally or financially.
- The statement did not fall under the privileged category
- The statement did not fall under the privileged category
Docket Text
Opinion and Order re: (105 in 1:24-cv-10049-LJL) Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint. filed by The New York Times Company, (132 in 1:24-cv-10049-LJL) was granted.
Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint (ECF No. 50) filed by Ryan Reynolds, (144 in 1:24-cv-10049-LJL) was granted.
Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint and for Related Relief (ECF No. 50). filed by Blake Lively, (86 in 1:24-cv-10049-LJL) was granted.
The motions for fees and damages pursuant to New York Civil Rights Law § 70-a and California Civil Code § 47.1 are denied without prejudice to renewal by formal motion.
Motion to Strike filed by Vision PR, Inc., Leslie Sloane. The motions to dismiss are granted. The motions to strike are denied. This means the exhibits and claims can be reconsidered in an amended suit or related case.
Conclusion
The Wayfarer Parties have leave to file a Second Amended Complaint by June 23, 2025, amending only the allegations relevant to the claims of tortious interference with contract and breach of implied covenant.