Justin Baldoni Fires Back at Blake Lively’s Motion to Dismiss $400 Million Lawsuit
Justin Baldoni has responded firmly to Blake Lively’s request to dismiss his $400 million lawsuit against her, which he filed over defamation and other claims.
Baldoni sued Lively, accusing her of making false sexual harassment allegations against him and initiating a retaliatory smear campaign. In response, Lively’s legal team described Baldoni’s lawsuit as “vengeful and rambling,” arguing that it misuses the legal system. They pointed to California Civil Code Section 47.1, which protects individuals from retaliatory lawsuits linked to public accusations of sexual harassment.
However, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, criticized Lively’s motion to dismiss, calling it an effort to avoid accountability for her alleged actions. Freedman argued that Baldoni’s lawsuit contains specific claims of defamation that are substantial enough to counter Lively’s attempt to have the case dismissed.
In a statement to People magazine, Freedman said, “Blake Lively and her Hollywood associates cannot stop my clients from using their constitutional right to clear their names in court from her false and damaging allegations.” He also expressed concern that Lively’s actions could set a harmful precedent, discouraging others from seeking justice in defamation cases.
