Why did a New York judge dismiss part of Blake Lively’s lawsuit? Actress’ legal feud with Justin Baldoni hits a snag

The Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively lawsuit has gotten a new twist. November started on an excellent note for Blake Lively as Manhattan federal judge Lewis Liman officially dismissed the lawsuit that Baldoni filed against Lively and her husband, citing civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.

Justin’s case was initially dismissed in June 2025 for being ‘legally insufficient.' However, the judge gave the actor and producer the opportunity to file an amended complaint. On October 31, 2025, Judge Lewis Liman issued a ruling claiming that Baldoni and his co-plaintiffs at Wayfarer Studios missed the October deadline to amend their complaint following the earlier dismissal.

According to reports, a reminder was issued to Justin and his team on October 17, prompting them to submit a reason to not close the case; however, they didn't respond. The Manhattan judge officially ended Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against Lively.

More details on the Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively Lawsuit

After Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit was dismissed, his lawyer Bryan Freedman said in a statement that his team didn't miss a deadline.

“At this point, we have to set the record straight: no deadlines were missed. Our clients chose not to amend their complaint to preserve appeal rights. In the meantime, we are focusing on Ms Lively’s claims. We remain fully committed to pursuing the truth through every legal and factual avenue available and look forward to our day in court.”

Freedman also claimed that the “truth regarding this case continues to be completely distorted in the media” and “even something as simple as a procedural update has resulted in a total mischaracterization.”

He added:

“This case is about false accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation and a nonexistent smear campaign, which Ms. Lively’s own team conveniently describes as ‘untraceable’ because they cannot prove what never happened.”

Justin still has the option of appeal.

Blake Lively had even took to her Instagram stories after the intial case dismissal. She wrote:

“Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us.”

And added:

“While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back.”

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