Things have escalated for It Ends With Us star and director Justin Baldoni, as Blake Lively is now seeking more than $8 million in attorneys’ fees and litigation costs following the dismissal of a defamation-related lawsuit against her.
The Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni legal battle continues over $8 million in fees
According to a new filing on June 29, Lively is seeking $7,495,526.87 in attorney fees and $539,514.01 in litigation costs and expenses tied to the “successful defense of the Wayfarer Action,” reports People.
Lively’s attorneys described the case as unusually complicated, with thousands of documents and heavy media scrutiny. According to the filing, the case’s visibility increased costs due to “significant press attention” and extensive discovery, including over 7,000 documents from Lively and tens of thousands more from the Wayfarer parties and third parties.
Following that, the 38-year-old actress filed the motion, and Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that Lively is entitled to seek attorneys’ fees and costs under California Civil Code Section 47.1. However, the judge rejected her bid for treble and punitive damages. The judge has ordered Baldoni and his studio to respond by July 13, after which a final decision will be made.
The legal dispute stems from the production and promotion of It Ends With Us. In the film, Lively plays Lily Bloom, a florist overcoming trauma to start anew, with Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon who turns into her abusive husband.
According to the BBC, Lively filed a legal complaint in December 2024 against her co-star, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign. The complaint also named Wayfarer Studios, Baldoni’s production company behind the film, as a defendant. Baldoni strongly denied the allegations and filed a countersuit in response, which was later dismissed. In May 2026, a broader settlement was reached with Lively’s remaining claims resolved, reports the Tribune.
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Originally reported by Meenakshi Sengupta for Reality Tea
