Amidst Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds seek to dismiss the case. The couple recently informed a federal judge of their plan to challenge the defamation claims made by Baldoni. Baldoni had accused them of harmful actions following a dispute.
Here are all the details.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds push for dismissal of Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are seeking to have the defamation lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni dismissed. The couple informed a federal judge on January 30 of their intention to file for dismissal before the first hearing scheduled for February 3. The lawsuit arises from a legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni, who starred in the film It Ends With Us. Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. In response, Baldoni countersued Lively, alleging defamation.
The first hearing in the case is scheduled for February 3, when both parties will discuss the legal motions and determine how to proceed. The couple’s legal team filed the motion following Judge Lewis Liman’s instructions. It required them to provide a brief statement about their intent to move for dismissal. While the motion will be considered at a later date, the case is expected to move toward trial in March 2026.
In an unusual development, both sides have agreed to consolidate the two separate lawsuits into one case. This move is expected to streamline the legal process and avoid potential delays. However, tensions are still high, particularly concerning comments by Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman. Lively’s legal team has raised concerns about Freedman’s public statements, which they argue could influence the potential jury pool.
Additionally, Baldoni’s legal team is seeking to depose Lively. Still, there is a dispute over who should conduct the deposition, as Lively’s lawyers have indicated she will refuse if Freedman is involved. The judge is expected to address this issue in the upcoming hearing.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
