Takeaways:
- Blake Lively moves to dismiss Justin Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit, citing California’s new legal protections.
- The case highlights legal safeguards for entertainment professionals speaking out about workplace harassment.
- If dismissed, Baldoni could face penalties, including paying Lively’s legal fees.
Blake Lively Pushes to Dismiss Defamation Lawsuit Amid Harassment Allegations Fallout
Actress Blake Lively is pushing for the dismissal of a defamation lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni, her former co-star and the director of It Ends With Us. Lively’s legal team is calling the lawsuit “baseless” and a clear example of retaliation against a survivor for speaking out about workplace harassment and retaliation—a recurring issue in Hollywood that many professionals are still grappling with today.
Lively’s Legal Team Cites Strong Legal Protections
In a statement released by attorneys Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, the team emphasized that California law protects individuals who go public with claims of harassment:
“This lawsuit is a profound abuse of the legal process that has no place in federal court,” the lawyers stated.
They referenced the California Civil Code Section 47.1, introduced through Assembly Bill 933 (AB 933), which shields individuals from retaliatory defamation lawsuits after publicly disclosing instances of sexual harassment or retaliation.
The legal filing argues that Baldoni and his affiliated production company, Wayfarer Studios, are in violation of this statute. The law includes a mandatory fee-shifting provision, meaning if the lawsuit is dismissed, Baldoni and his financial backer, billionaire Steve Sarowitz, could be required to pay Lively’s legal costs and punitive damages.
“An Epic Self-Own”: Legal Team Fires Back
Lively’s legal team didn’t hold back, claiming Baldoni’s move has backfired:
“In an epic self-own, the Wayfarer Parties’ attempt to sue Ms. Lively ‘into oblivion’ has only created more liability for them—deservedly so, given their actions,” they stated.
A Broader Issue in the Entertainment Industry
A spokesperson for Lively underlined a troubling pattern: entertainment professionals are increasingly targeted for defamation after speaking out.
“The painful reality is that Ms. Lively is not alone… That is exactly why California recently enacted AB 933.”
The spokesperson added that the law is a necessary safeguard for industry workers who may fear financial ruin or public backlash for coming forward.
This case is more than a celebrity legal battle—it underscores a critical shift in how the industry and the law are responding to issues of harassment and silencing tactics.
What’s Next?
Lively and Baldoni are set to appear in court on March 9, 2026. However, if the court agrees with Lively’s motion to dismiss under Section 47.1, Baldoni could be liable for significant financial penalties.
The case continues to generate attention across the entertainment community, prompting actors, filmmakers, and crew members to pay close attention to how legal systems protect their voices in the wake of #MeToo and beyond.
Why This Matters to You
Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a seasoned director, or a crew member navigating set dynamics, knowing your legal rights and protections is essential. California’s AB 933 is just one of several legislative actions creating a safer and more transparent entertainment landscape.
If you’ve experienced retaliation or harassment in the industry, this case serves as a powerful reminder that you are not alone—and that the law may be on your side.
