Blake Lively Asks Court to Dismiss Justin Baldoni’s ‘Vengeful’ Lawsuit Against Her

**Blake Lively Files Motion to Dismiss Justin Baldoni’s Lawsuit**

Actress Blake Lively is taking legal action to dismiss what she deems as a groundless and retaliatory lawsuit brought against her by director Justin Baldoni. Lively, 37, has filed a motion to have Baldoni’s defamation claims thrown out, asserting that they are an attempt to silence her for speaking out about sexual harassment and workplace retaliation. This legal battle has escalated to involve millions of dollars and prominent names in the entertainment industry.

In a bold move, Lively’s legal team, comprising Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, has labelled Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit as “vengeful and rambling,” accusing the It Ends With Us director of misusing the legal system. They argue that California law specifically shields individuals who report instances of sexual misconduct from facing retaliation, whether through lawsuits or public statements. The motion to dismiss rests on this legal protection and challenges the validity of Baldoni’s claims against Lively.

The feud between Lively and Baldoni originated from allegations of sexual harassment and a smear campaign orchestrated against Lively by Baldoni, It Ends With Us producer Jamey Heath, and Wayfarer Studios co-founder Steve Sarowitz. Lively took the first step by suing Baldoni and his associates, prompting Baldoni’s retaliation with a defamation lawsuit, which also roped in Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. The legal back-and-forth has now reached a critical juncture, with Lively seeking to have the lawsuit thrown out under California law.

Lively’s legal team has steadfastly maintained their position, citing the newly enacted California Civil Code Section 47.1 as a key defence for their client. This law explicitly prohibits retaliatory lawsuits aimed at individuals who speak out against sexual harassment, offering a shield of legal protection for those like Lively who dare to confront workplace injustices. The motion asserts that Baldoni’s claims lack legal merit and are an attempt to intimidate and silence Lively.

The stakes are high in this legal dispute, with potential consequences looming for Baldoni and his cohorts if Lively’s motion to dismiss succeeds. The court’s decision on this pivotal case is eagerly awaited in legal circles, with the hearing scheduled for March 9, 2026. As the drama unfolds in the courtroom, both parties are gearing up for a fierce legal battle that has captured the attention of the public and the entertainment industry.

In response to the escalating legal tussle, Lively’s spokesperson highlighted the broader implications of the case, emphasising the need for legal protections for individuals who speak out against workplace harassment. The spokesperson underscored the significance of California’s AB 933 law in safeguarding individuals from being unjustly targeted for seeking justice and accountability in cases of harassment and misconduct.

As the courtroom drama intensifies, the outcome of Lively’s motion to dismiss Baldoni’s lawsuit remains uncertain. With reputations and millions of dollars at stake, the legal showdown between these Hollywood figures promises to be a high-profile and closely watched affair. As the legal battle unfolds, the entertainment industry braces itself for the potential repercussions and fallout from this contentious dispute.

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In a comprehensive report, the motion to dismiss Blake Lively’s Legal actions against Justin Baldoni is highlighted. The legal battle unveils the complex dynamics involved in high-stakes lawsuits within the entertainment industry. The legal team’s strategic defence and the implications of California’s protective laws are dissected, shedding light on the broader significance of this legal showdown.