Actress Blake Lively is now seeking millions of dollars from Justin Baldoni over what is being called a “frivolous defamation lawsuit” against her, testing a California law designed to protect sexual harassment victims who speak out.
In a motion filed Monday, Lively’s team stated, “The law prohibits weaponizing defamation lawsuits, like this one, to retaliate against individuals who have filed legal claims or have publicly spoken out about sexual harassment and retaliation.”
Lively also requests three times the damages for the money, stress, and emotional pain she’s endured, plus additional punishment for what she calls court abuse.
Taylor Swift Didn’t Expect to ‘Be So Involved’ in Blake Lively’s Legal Drama
This all started in December of last year when the 38-year-old actress filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, claiming he sexually assaulted her on the set of the movie drama, It Ends With Us.
It Ends With Us follows a storyline of Lily Bloom (played by Lively), who enters into an abusive relationship with Baldoni’s character, Ryle Kincaid.
After the lawsuit was filed, Baldoni then in return sued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds for $400 million dollars. The actor’s team also sued The New York Times for allegedly publishing false claims about him.
Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez Reunite Amid Blake Lively Legal Drama
New York federal Judge Lewis J. Liman threw out Baldoni’s defamation case back in June.
Lively’s recent motion comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law in 2023 aimed to shield sexual harassment survivors from “weaponized” defamation lawsuits.
In her filing, Lively explains that the law ensures victims can share their stories without fear of being sued for speaking up.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Feud ‘Not Likely to End Anytime Soon’
According to Variety, Lively’s spokesperson commented on Baldoni’s team’s efforts to sue Lively.
“Sadly, Ms. Lively is not alone in facing a retaliatory defamation suit after speaking out about harassment at work. That is precisely why California enacted AB 933: to make clear that survivors are protected when they speak up, and that those who weaponize the legal system to silence them will be held accountable, not just for attorneys’ fees, but for treble damages and punitive damages as well.”
