Blake Lively is reportedly feeling an overwhelming sense of relief after a judge dismissed the $400 million lawsuit brought against her by actor Justin Baldoni. The legal battle started from Lively’s original lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation. However, it took a major turn when the court rejected his defamation and extortion claims.
Blake Lively ‘cried with relief’ after judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit, claims source
Blake Lively reportedly broke down in tears after hearing that a judge had thrown out Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit against her.
A source familiar with the matter told PEOPLE that the actress “cried with relief” on June 9, when Judge Lewis J. Liman officially dismissed Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit. The suit had accused Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and attempted extortion. Another insider added, “She’s obviously relieved. They both are. She feels vindicated.” Talking about Lively’s legal team, the source said, “Everyone is happy.” (via PEOPLE)
Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Blake Lively’s legal representatives, issued a statement following the judge’s decision about Baldoni’s lawsuit. They described the ruling as “total victory.” They said, “As we have said from day one, this ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it.” The lawyers confirmed they would now pursue legal costs and damages in response to what they described as “abusive litigation.”
In a parallel ruling, the court also dismissed Baldoni’s $250 million defamation suit against The New York Times, which had covered Lively’s legal claims in detail. As of now, Baldoni or his legal team has not made any statement regarding the ruling.
Reflecting on the judgment on Baldoni’s lawsuit against her, Lively posted a message on her Instagram Stories expressing appreciation for the people who supported her. She wrote, “With love and gratitude for the many who stood by me, many of you I know. Many of you I don’t. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.” (via The Independent)
