LOS ANGELES – Actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni is pushing back after a federal judge dismissed portions of his $400 million defamation lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and The New York Times. While the decision is being hailed as a legal win by Lively’s team, Baldoni’s attorney insists the battle is far from over.

In a statement released Tuesday to TheWrap, Baldoni’s high-profile attorney Bryan Freedman criticized what he called Lively’s “false declaration of victory,” clarifying that the court has allowed four of the seven claims to be amended and refiled, offering the opportunity to present additional evidence and refined allegations.

Allegations of False Sexual Harassment Claims

Baldoni originally filed the lawsuit alleging that Lively and her associates falsely accused him of sexual harassment in a concerted effort to destroy his career and reputation. The suit included accusations of defamation, retaliation, and a deliberate smear campaign allegedly supported by media outlets and PR strategies.

“This case is about false accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation and a nonexistent smear campaign,” Freedman stated. “Ms. Lively’s own team conveniently describes it as ‘untraceable’ because they cannot prove what never happened.”

Lawsuit Dismissal Not the End, Says Baldoni’s Legal Team

While the federal judge dismissed the defamation-related claims, the ruling included permission for Baldoni’s legal team to revise and resubmit four key causes of action, a move Freedman says signals the court’s willingness to examine the underlying facts further.

“The facts are on our side,” Freedman emphasized. “We march forward with the same confidence we had when this case began and look forward to Ms. Lively’s forthcoming deposition, which I will be taking personally.”

A Case That Could Reshape Celebrity Defamation Battles

The high-stakes legal battle has garnered widespread media attention due to the celebrity names involved, the $400 million valuation of damages, and the potentially precedent-setting implications for defamation and retaliation cases in the #MeToo era. Critics and supporters alike are watching closely as both sides prepare for the next phase of litigation.

What’s Next?

With the court granting Baldoni the right to amend four claims, legal experts anticipate a revised complaint to be filed in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Lively’s team has not yet issued a new statement following Freedman’s remarks.

This ongoing legal saga continues to captivate Hollywood and legal circles alike, with both parties digging in for what appears to be a long and combative legal road ahead.

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