Blake Lively’s long-standing legal dispute with Justin Baldoni has taken another turn, with a federal judge denying her request to file additional briefs and information regarding Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit. The decision, which was made public through TMZ, marks a significant setback for Lively as she seeks to recover attorneys’ fees and damages from the dismissed lawsuit.
The Backstory: A Year-Long Legal Battle
The dispute between Lively and Baldoni began in December 2024, when Lively filed a lawsuit against the director. The lawsuit was eventually settled last Monday, but Lively is still seeking to recover fees and damages from Baldoni’s failed countersuit. The countersuit, which was dismissed in June 2025, was valued at $400 million and was a major point of contention in the case.
The California Law at the Center of the Dispute
Lively’s team has argued that she is owed fees and damages under a California law created in 2023 to protect sexual abuse accusers from retaliatory claims. The law, which was enacted in response to high-profile cases of abuse and harassment, provides a safeguard for individuals who have been subjected to retaliatory lawsuits. In this case, Lively’s team claims that Baldoni’s countersuit was a retaliatory measure designed to intimidate and silence her.
The Judge’s Decision: A Blow to Lively’s Efforts
The federal judge overseeing the case has denied Lively’s request to file additional briefs and information regarding Baldoni’s countersuit. The decision, which was made in response to Lively’s motion, means that the judge will not consider any new evidence or arguments before making a decision on the matter. The judge’s decision is a significant blow to Lively’s efforts to recover fees and damages, and it remains to be seen how she will proceed in the case.
A Timeline of the Dispute
Here is a brief timeline of the key events in the dispute between Lively and Baldoni:
- December 2024: Lively files a lawsuit against Baldoni.
- January 2025: Baldoni files a $400 million countersuit against Lively.
- June 2025: The countersuit is dismissed.
- October 2025: Lively’s team files a motion to recover fees and damages under the California law.
- Last Monday: Lively and Baldoni reach a settlement in the initial lawsuit.
In conclusion, the judge’s decision to deny Lively’s request is a significant setback for the actress as she seeks to recover fees and damages from Baldoni’s dismissed lawsuit. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how Lively will proceed in the coming weeks and months.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the case:
- What is the California law at the center of the dispute?
- What is the value of Baldoni’s countersuit?
- What is the current status of the case?
The California law was enacted in 2023 to protect sexual abuse accusers from retaliatory claims. It provides a safeguard for individuals who have been subjected to retaliatory lawsuits.
The countersuit was valued at $400 million.
The case is ongoing, with Lively seeking to recover fees and damages from Baldoni’s dismissed lawsuit.









