A federal judge rules in favor of Blake Lively in part in her legal dispute with Justin Baldoni over “It Ends With Us.” According to multiple outlets, Judge Lewis J. Liman orders Wayfarer Studios to pay Lively’s attorney fees tied to her defense against Baldoni’s unsuccessful defamation countersuit. The ruling comes after Lively had sued Baldoni, and the parties later settled related claims. Courts conclude that Lively is entitled to recover some defense costs under a 2023 California statute intended to protect individuals who face litigation related to allegations of sexual abuse.
However, the judge denies Lively additional relief she sought, including punitive damages and other forms of damages. Several reports characterize the decision as a partial victory that narrows the dispute as the case reaches its end. Other coverage notes that both sides portray the outcome as favorable, with Lively emphasizing the fee award and Baldoni’s side arguing against the extent of damages sought and the basis of the underlying claims.
Overall, the court’s Friday order limits what Lively can recover to legal fees and costs, rather than further monetary damages.
