Blake Lively’s $400 million defamation lawsuit, filed by Justin Baldoni, was dismissed by a U.S. district judge this week in New York, ending a tense legal battle that placed women’s rights at the forefront. Following the ruling, Lively reaffirmed her commitment to Blake Lively defamation lawsuit and women’s rights advocacy through a personal message and support for various organizations aiding women facing retaliation.
Lively’s Response and Reflections After Lawsuit Dismissal
After the court decision, Blake Lively addressed her supporters and the public through her social media, sharing the emotional toll and challenges she faced during the legal process. She expressed solidarity with women who have encountered retaliatory lawsuits and called attention to the struggle many endure when lacking the resources to fight back. Lively highlighted her role in advocating for women’s safety and dignity during these challenging times.
“Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organizations united in defending women’s rights to speak up for their safety. Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back,”
—Blake Lively, Actor
Lively continued with her resolve, focusing on empowering others and ensuring that every woman’s voice is heard and respected in matters of personal integrity and security.
“I’m more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman’s right to have a voice in protecting themselves, including their safety, their integrity, their dignity and their story. There are protections out there. Check out some of the incredible organizations below for resources and information.”
—Blake Lively, Actor
Championing Resources for Women
To provide support, Blake Lively used her platform to draw attention to numerous groups that champion women’s legal protection and advocacy. She tagged organizations such as the California Employment Lawyers Association, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Organization for Women, New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition, Women’s Justice NOW, Her Justice, Urban Resource Institute, and CHILD USA. These groups, including the California Women’s Law Center, Equal Rights Advocates, Esperanza United, New York Cyber Abuse Task Force, and others, serve as essential resources for women seeking information or protection related to workplace harassment and abuse.
Her message resonated with both those she knows personally and countless others showing solidarity throughout her ordeal. Lively expressed overwhelming gratitude to everyone who supported her cause.
“With love and gratitude for the may who stood by me, many of you I know. Many of you I don’t. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.”
—Blake Lively, Actor
Details of the Legal Battle and Court’s Decision
The lawsuit, which targeted Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and the New York Times, followed a December report in the Times that publicized Lively’s claims of sexual harassment and the subsequent alleged retaliatory actions by director Justin Baldoni. On Monday, District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed the case, holding that the New York Times had exercised its right to report on the evidence available, even if some details were presented with dramatic emphasis.
“The alleged facts indicate that the Times reviewed the available evidence and reported, perhaps in a dramatized manner, what it believed to have happened,”
—Lewis J. Liman, U.S. District Judge
Lively moved to dismiss the case in March, referencing protections provided by a law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023. This legislation, part of the ongoing influence of the #MeToo movement, specifically shields individuals alleging sexual abuse or harassment from retaliatory legal actions brought by the accused, strengthening legal defenses for victims.
Lively’s legal representatives, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, welcomed the judge’s ruling, emphasizing both the significance of the win and the broader principle at stake.
“Today’s opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively,”
—Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Lively’s Lawyers
“This ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it.”
—Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Lively’s Lawyers
The Ongoing Impact on Women’s Rights Advocacy
This case stands as a pivotal moment, not only for Blake Lively and the parties involved, but also for broader advocacy around women’s rights and protections against retaliatory litigation. The dismissal reinforces safeguards for victims speaking out about workplace harassment, further fueled by organizations committed to supporting women. As Lively vows to keep advocating for women everywhere, both her supporters and the highlighted entities remain vital to protecting women’s voices and safety in the future.
