Why are Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni heading back to court? Judge orders It Ends With Us stars' return over damages dispute

It seems that Blake Lively is making another appearance in court amid the aftermath of her feud with Justin Baldoni, just weeks after a reported settlement regarding their previous legal battle.

Court papers reveal that a Manhattan judge has directed that both parties be present in connection with the financial claims surrounding the actor-director's defamation case, which had been dismissed, against the Gossip Girl alum.

The actress is claiming repayment for legal fees and other expenses as part of the previous case. Additionally, she has asked for triple and punitive damages, although there is no stated figure.

The dispute is part of the larger legal disagreement between both It Ends With Us stars, who were involved in a series of cases even before their previous lawsuit was dismissed.

As of writing, there have been no comments yet made by Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni about the next court appearance.

Recap: Justin Baldoni's $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively thrown out by judge

In December 2024, the Another Simple Favor star filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star, who also directed the movie, months after its premiere.

The actor denied the allegations, marking the actress' accusations as a "smear campaign" against him. He filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, Leslie Sloane, alleging defamation and extortion, among others.

However, in June 2025, Justin Baldoni's countersuit was dismissed. Judge Liman explained that the actor and his company, Wayfarer Studios:

"have not adequately alleged that Lively's threats were wrongful extortion rather than legally permissible hard bargaining or renegotiation of working conditions."

The judge further stated that Justin Baldoni failed to prove defamation because he and his team "have not alleged that Lively is responsible for any statements other than the statements" in her suit, which are privileged.

"The alleged facts indicate that the Times reviewed the available evidence and reported, perhaps in a dramatized manner, what it believed to have happened. The Times had no obvious motive to favor Lively's version of events."

Following the dismissal, Blake Lively and her legal team called it a legal victory, and:

"a complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times."

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants lead also took to her social media page at the time, sharing:

"Like so many others, I've felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. While the suit against me was defeated, so many don't have the resources to fight back."

Lively added that she felt:

"more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman's right to have a voice in protecting themselves."

Trending

Also Read: What did Blake Lively say in her request for a PGA tag on 'It Ends With Us'? Actress' extensive email surfaces

Also Read: Why did Blake Lively's employee want to background-check Justin Baldoni? Deposition alleges disturbing conversation

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback