JUST IN: Blake Lively Fires Back with Force— Actress Files Motion to Dismiss Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Defamation Lawsuit in a Dramatic and Shocking Legal Twist Over ‘It Ends With Us’ Controversy

Blake Lively Fires Back in Explosive Legal Battle, Seeking to Dismiss Justin Baldoni’s $400 Million Defamation Lawsuit Over ‘It Ends With Us’ Controversy

In a dramatic escalation of Hollywood’s most talked-about celebrity feud, Blake Lively has launched a fierce counterattack against her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, filing a motion to dismiss his staggering $400 million defamation lawsuit. The legal showdown, detailed in scathing court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, marks the latest chapter in a bitter and public dispute that has captivated fans and legal observers alike since tensions first surfaced during the film’s promotional tour.

Lively’s attorneys didn’t hold back in their filing, describing Baldoni’s lawsuit as “vengeful, rambling, and a profound abuse of the legal process that has no place in federal court.” The documents assert that Baldoni’s legal action—filed in response to Lively’s earlier accusations of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign—could backfire spectacularly, potentially costing his team upwards of $100 million due to a mandatory fee-shifting provision under California Civil Code Section 47.1. This provision could force Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, to cover Lively’s legal fees if her motion succeeds, adding a financial stakes-raising twist to an already contentious battle.

The feud between Lively and Baldoni, both stars of the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us, has been brewing since the movie’s release. Reports of their strained relationship surfaced during the press tour, with observers noting their lack of interaction at public events and whispers of behind-the-scenes tension. In December 2024, Lively escalated the conflict by accusing Baldoni of creating a “hostile work environment” on set, alleging sexual harassment and a coordinated effort to damage her professional reputation through a smear campaign. She claimed Baldoni enlisted crisis PR specialists, including Melissa Nathan—previously linked to Johnny Depp’s high-profile legal battles—to orchestrate a media war against her.

Baldoni, in turn, fired back with his own legal salvo, filing a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others involved in the film’s production. His suit alleges that Lively and Reynolds hijacked the film’s production and marketing, leveraging their star power to undermine him and his team. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has defended the lawsuit as “a legal action based on overwhelming evidence” of Lively’s alleged attempts to “destroy Justin Baldoni, his team, and their companies” through “grossly edited, unsubstantiated, and doctored information” leaked to the media.

However, Lively’s latest filing paints a starkly different picture, accusing Baldoni of weaponizing the legal system in a “vengeful” bid for retribution. The court documents argue that Baldoni’s claims lack merit and are part of a broader pattern of retaliatory behavior, including alleged violations of New York law by litigating the case in the court of public opinion rather than in court. Lively’s team has also requested a gag order to prevent further public statements that could prejudice the case, signaling their intent to keep the battle confined to the courtroom.

The legal skirmish has drawn intense scrutiny, not only for its high stakes but also for its implications in the entertainment industry. Web reports from outlets like Sky News, Vogue, ABC News, and The Cut provide context, detailing a timeline of accusations, counter-accusations, and additional lawsuits involving crisis communications specialist Jed Wallace, who recently filed a $7 million defamation suit against Lively. A judge has set a 2026 trial date for the consolidated cases, but Lively’s motion to dismiss could potentially shorten or reshape the legal marathon.

Public opinion remains divided, with some fans criticizing Lively’s conduct during the film’s press tour—where she faced backlash for not emphasizing the film’s focus on domestic violence—while others see Baldoni’s lawsuit as an overreach. The involvement of high-profile figures like Ryan Reynolds, whose production company is also named in Baldoni’s suit, has only amplified the drama, turning the dispute into a cultural lightning rod.

As the legal battle unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Lively, a dismissal would vindicate her claims and potentially deal a crushing financial blow to Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios. For Baldoni, the lawsuit represents a chance to clear his name and recoup losses he claims stem from Lively’s alleged actions. With millions of dollars, reputations, and Hollywood careers on the line, this feud promises to be one of the most gripping legal spectacles of 2025.