Los Angeles, California — Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively has been dismissed, marking a significant turn in their ongoing legal dispute related to the film “It Ends With Us.” The dismissal comes amid serious accusations and counterclaims filed by both parties over the last year.

Blake Lively’s legal team hailed the court’s decision as a decisive victory. They asserted that the lawsuit initiated by Baldoni was without merit and characterized it as a misguided attempt at retaliation. Lively’s representatives highlighted that this ruling affirms their position and allows them to pursue claims for attorney fees and potentially punitive damages against Baldoni and his associates.

The dismissal was ordered by Judge Lewis J. Limon, who stated that Baldoni’s allegations of defamation and extortion were unsubstantiated, as they stemmed from comments made in court documents that are protected under privilege. The judge emphasized that the claims against Lively lacked sufficient grounds since the statements in question were made in a legal context.

The legal feud began last year when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and alleged he led a smear campaign against her, claims Baldoni has vehemently denied. Both sides have engaged in public exchanges and filed several lawsuits, complicating their already tumultuous working relationship.

Representatives for Baldoni have yet to comment on the dismissal. The incident has attracted attention due to the involvement of high-profile figures, including Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, who was also named in Baldoni’s countersuit. The judge’s ruling pointed out that accusations directed at Reynolds for defamation were insufficiently supported under legal standards.

The ongoing drama revolves around accusations of misconduct dating back to the production of their film, where both parties have alleged attempts to undermine their professional integrity. Baldoni’s legal filings included private communications, which he claims reveal Lively’s true motives. A website launched by Baldoni’s team presents these exchanges as evidence of the context surrounding their disputes.

Lively initially filed a civil rights complaint against Baldoni in December 2024, claiming harassment and maligning of her character throughout the filming process. In her claims, she detailed several ways in which she believed Baldoni had mistreated her, including instances of body shaming.

In response, Baldoni asserted that Lively had misrepresented their interactions and distorted the meanings of private messages. Following the filing of her lawsuit, Baldoni took further legal action, including accusations against a major newspaper for allegedly defamatory reporting.

The fallout from Lively’s lawsuit has impacted Baldoni’s career, leading to professional setbacks, including losing his representation with a major talent agency. According to reports, there are allegations that Lively and Reynolds influenced this decision, though the agency has denied these claims publicly.

As both parties navigate this complicated legal landscape, the case’s resolution may set a precedent for how such disputes are managed in Hollywood, especially concerning allegations of misconduct and retaliatory actions in the industry. It remains to be seen how the court’s actions will influence their careers moving forward.

The case reflects broader conversations around accountability in entertainment and the need for protecting individuals who come forth with claims of wrongdoing. The outcome may resonate with others in similar situations, potentially shaping future interactions among public figures in high-pressure working environments.