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Unsealed Filing Says Blake Lively Seeks $161 Million Over Alleged Justin Baldoni Smear Campaign

The figure surfaces after a judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit, with trial set for March 2026.

Overview

  • A July disclosure, unsealed this week, estimates $56.2 million in lost earnings, $49 million in losses tied to Lively’s Blake Brown beauty brand, $22 million for Betty Buzz/Betty Booze, and $34 million in reputational harm based on about 65 million negative impressions.
  • Lively’s lawyers say the $161 million total is preliminary and will be tested by experts at trial, and they plan to seek at least triple that amount in punitive damages.
  • U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman entered final judgment dismissing Baldoni’s $400 million defamation and extortion countersuit after he declined to amend; Baldoni’s attorney says he preserved appeal rights while focusing on defending against Lively’s claims.
  • Judge Liman dismissed Lively’s claims against social media strategist Jed Wallace in New York for lack of jurisdiction, noting she could sue in Texas; Wallace has filed a defamation suit against Lively in Texas, according to court filings reported this week.
  • The case is proceeding in the Southern District of New York for a March 2026 trial, with discovery disputes ongoing, a roster of high-profile figures listed as potentially having discoverable information, and denials from Baldoni’s side of any harassment or smear campaign.