Blake Lively Seeks Dismissal of Justin Baldoni’s $400M Countersuit in Legal Battle Over Misconduct Allegations:

Actress Blake Lively has filed a motion in New York federal court to dismiss the $400 million countersuit brought against her by actor and director Justin Baldoni, her co-star in the upcoming film It Ends With Us. Her legal team has described the countersuit as a “vengeful and rambling” attempt to retaliate against her sexual misconduct allegations.

The motion claims that Baldoni’s filing constitutes an abuse of the legal system. It cites California’s anti-SLAPP laws, which protect individuals from being sued for defamation after speaking out on issues of public concern, including alleged sexual harassment.

The Origins of the Legal Conflict

The dispute began when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and workplace retaliation. In response, Baldoni filed a sweeping defamation lawsuit targeting Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, Vision PR, and The New York Times.

Baldoni’s countersuit alleges defamation, civil extortion, and false light invasion of privacy, claiming that Lively’s actions were part of a coordinated effort to damage his career.

Lively’s Legal Strategy and Potential Outcome

According to Lively’s attorneys, Baldoni’s suit is intended to intimidate and financially burden those who speak up about misconduct. If successful, her motion could result in Baldoni being held responsible for covering her legal fees and additional damages, as outlined under California law.

Her team insists the countersuit is designed to deter others from speaking out and portrays it as an example of “weaponizing the legal process.”

Baldoni Responds with Counterclaims of Malice

In a rebuttal, Baldoni’s legal team maintains that Lively’s allegations were made with “pure malice” and are baseless. They argue that her actions triggered a crisis of her own making and vow to present evidence that discredits her claims.

His attorneys say the lawsuit is not a retaliatory PR move but a legitimate response to unfounded accusations.

Ryan Reynolds Files Motion for Dismissal

Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds—named in Baldoni’s countersuit—has filed his own motion to be removed from the case. His legal team argues that the actor played no role in the alleged defamation and should not be part of the ongoing litigation.

This development underscores how the legal dispute is expanding beyond the initial parties involved, impacting high-profile figures not directly connected to the core allegations.

Implications for Hollywood’s Legal Landscape

This case is shaping up to be a landmark legal battle in Hollywood, with potential implications for how the industry handles defamation claims and retaliation suits post-#MeToo. With both sides entrenched, the outcome could influence how public allegations of misconduct are handled in the future.