Home / Arts and Entertainment / Blake Lively Settles 'It Ends With Us' Lawsuit
Blake Lively Settles 'It Ends With Us' Lawsuit
7 May
Summary
- Blake Lively settled claims against Justin Baldoni's studio.
- A motion for attorney fees remains unresolved from Baldoni's suit.
- Lively's legal action aims to protect sexual abuse accusers.
Blake Lively reached a settlement with Justin Baldoni's Wayfarer Studios regarding claims related to the film 'It Ends With Us.' While many aspects of their legal dispute were resolved on Monday, a motion for attorney fees remains outstanding. This motion originated from Baldoni's failed defamation suit against Lively.
Lively filed the attorney fees motion in September 2023, leveraging a California law enacted to shield sexual abuse accusers from weaponized defamation claims. Her legal team views this ongoing motion as a crucial opportunity to advocate for individuals threatened by such lawsuits when they come forward.
Allegations brought forth by Lively included claims of sexual harassment by Baldoni on set and subsequent retaliation through a digital whisper campaign. Although a judge dismissed many of Lively's initial claims, the joint statement issued by both parties acknowledged that Lively's concerns 'deserved to be heard,' a point her team considers significant for their fee request.
Baldoni's representatives have characterized the settlement as a victory, emphasizing the dismissal of Lively's harassment and defamation claims. Conversely, Lively's attorneys hailed the resolution as a 'resounding victory,' asserting that it validates her efforts to expose alleged retaliatory conduct and positions her to continue her advocacy for survivors.
The legal arguments also involve jurisdictional questions, with Baldoni's side contending the California law is inapplicable due to the conduct occurring outside the state. Lively's team counters that her initial administrative complaint filed with a California agency brings the case under state law. Lively is also reportedly supporting similar legislation in New York.
Further legal proceedings are anticipated regarding the attorney fees motion, with a potential hearing to determine damages if the judge finds it warranted. This situation highlights the complexities of workplace disputes and the legal protections available to accusers.
