Overview
- U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in New York formally terminated the counterclaim on October 31 after no amended pleading was filed.
- Baldoni’s filing had sought $400 million and accused Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds and others of defamation and extortion, while a separate $250 million suit against the New York Times had already been dismissed.
- The court previously held that Lively’s statements tied to her civil rights complaint were legally protected, found no actionable defamation by Reynolds, and affirmed press protections for the Times.
- Lively’s original suit alleging misconduct on the It Ends With Us set remains active, with a trial anticipated in March 2026.
- Baldoni’s legal team says he maintains his innocence and will continue to defend his position, and Lively’s request for attorneys’ fees remains before the court.