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Final Judgment Closes Justin Baldoni’s Defamation Suits After Missed Appeal

Blake Lively’s harassment case against Baldoni proceeds toward a March 2026 trial with fee motions pending.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman entered final judgment on Oct. 31 after Baldoni failed to amend or appeal and did not answer an Oct. 17 order to show cause.
  • The court’s June dismissal rested on litigation privilege for statements in Lively’s civil-rights complaint and fair-report protection for The New York Times.
  • Baldoni had sought $400 million from Lively and Ryan Reynolds and $250 million from the Times over reporting on on‑set allegations he disputes.
  • Lively has asked the court to award millions in attorneys’ fees following the collapse of Baldoni’s claims, while her harassment and retaliation lawsuit remains active.
  • Recent filings describe heated discovery disputes, including allegations Baldoni’s team used auto‑deleting apps to hide records, as the Times labeled his suit a meritless attempt to chill reporting.