Blake Lively Wins Legal Costs in Baldoni Dispute

Blake Lively has been awarded $407,000 in legal costs as part of the settlement in her legal dispute with director Justin Baldoni. The actress had sought $8 million for legal fees incurred during the case.

The award specifically covers her defense against Baldoni's claims that she defamed him. Judge Lewis J. Liman of the Federal District Court in Manhattan issued the ruling, rejecting some of Lively's requests, such as those for media relations.

The legal battle involved Lively filing a complaint alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign, followed by Baldoni countersuing for defamation and other offenses. The parties settled in May 2026, weeks before their trial was scheduled to begin.

Lively's legal team hailed the award as historic, asserting that Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit was meritless and retaliatory, designed to stifle public criticism. They emphasized the case was about accountability rather than just money.

Baldoni's lawyer stated that while the law was applied in ways not originally intended, the settlement aimed to prevent appeals that could overturn the law itself. He also noted the significant reduction from Lively's initial $8 million demand as a victory for his clients.