Blake Lively has scored a major legal victory after a judge decided to dismiss Justin Baldoni's $400 million defamation countersuit against her, Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times.
The It Ends with Us stars have been in the midst of a legal drama for the past few months, and it has become one of the biggest headlines that fans have been talking about. A trial is scheduled to take place next year.
Why Did the Judge Toss Justin Baldoni's $400 Million Countersuit Against Blake Lively?
According to Variety, Judge Lewis J. Liman has dismissed Baldoni's entire defamation countersuit against Lively.
Baldoni is still allowed to make an amendment and refile a couple of allegations regarding interference with contracts.
In his ruling, Judge Liman found that the initial claims were covered by the litigation privilege, which immunizes legal claims from defamation actions.
He also stated that The New York Times' reporting was also protected under the “fair report” privilege, which allows media outlets to cover legal proceedings without incurring defamation liability.
"We are grateful to the court for seeing the lawsuit against The New York Times for what it was: a meritless attempt to stifle honest reporting," a spokesperson for the outlet said in a statement.
"Our journalists went out and covered carefully and fairly a story of public importance, and the court recognized that the law is designed to protect just that sort of journalism. We will continue to stand up in court for our journalism and for our journalists when their work comes under attack."
What is Blake Lively's Reaction to the Dismissal of Justin Baldoni's Countersuit?
Lively has claimed victory in Judge Liman's decision to toss out Baldoni's $400 million countersuit against her and the other parties.
"Today’s opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane and The New York Times," her legal team said in a statement.
"As we have said from day one, this ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it. We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys’ fees, treble damages, and punitive damages against Baldoni, Sarowitz, Nathan, and the other Wayfarer Parties who perpetrated this abusive litigation."
Lively has also posted her reaction on Instagram Story, where she references the 19 organizations that showed support for her.
"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," she wrote.
"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."
Lively added, "Check out some of the incredible organizations below for resources and information. With love and gratitude for the many 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."
What do you think of Martin's shoutout to her ex? Let us know in the comments!
Keep it locked on Epicstream for your best go-to source for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!