Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Legal Battles: A Timeline

The relationship between actress Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni has been marked by escalating legal disputes stemming from the production of the 2024 film, “It Ends With Us.” What began with allegations of misconduct on set has spiraled into a complex web of lawsuits involving defamation, sexual harassment, and alleged smear campaigns.

Initial Allegations and Lively’s Lawsuit

In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and several other individuals, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. The complaint, filed in California, also included claims of failure to investigate harassment, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, false light invasion of privacy, and interference with prospective economic advantage.

Baldoni’s Countersuit and Defamation Claims

Justin Baldoni responded with a countersuit, accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of civil extortion and defamation. Baldoni alleged that the couple conspired to damage his reputation by sharing claims of misconduct with The New York Times. The lawsuit also named Lively’s publicist and later included a defamation count against The New York Times itself. Baldoni claimed Lively initiated a “calculated smear campaign.”

The New York Times Involvement and Dismissal of Baldoni’s Suit

The New York Times published an article detailing the alleged retaliatory smear campaign, prompting Baldoni’s legal action against the newspaper. However, in June 2025, a Manhattan federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s suit against Lively and The New York Times.

Wayfarer Studios Sues The New York Times

On December 31, 2024, Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and other related parties filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the newspaper of libel, false light invasion of privacy, promissory fraud, and breach of contract. The plaintiffs argued that the Times’ reporting was “false” and based on Lively’s unverified claims, relying heavily on her narrative while disregarding contradictory evidence. The New York Times stated it would “vigorously defend against the lawsuit,” asserting its role as an independent news organization following the facts.

The New York Times Recouping Costs

More recently, in February 2026, The New York Times initiated legal action against Wayfarer Studios to recover costs associated with defending against the dismissed defamation claims. This move followed the judge’s decision in June 2025. Courthouse News reported on this development.

Ongoing Legal Landscape

The legal battles between Lively, Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and The New York Times highlight the complexities of navigating accusations of misconduct and defamation in the entertainment industry. The case continues to draw attention to the challenges of balancing freedom of the press with the protection of individual reputations. The New York Times continues to cover the unfolding legal proceedings.