Judge Dismisses Baldoni’s $400 Million Lawsuit Against Lively and Reynolds

A Los Angeles judge dismissed actor Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. The ruling, announced recently, marks a significant turning point in the ongoing legal battle between Baldoni and the celebrity couple. Deadline Hollywood’s executive editor, Dominic Patten, described the outcome as a "massive win" for Lively and Reynolds. "This is a huge win for Blake Lively," Patten stated in an interview with CNN. The judge’s decision allows Lively and Reynolds to avoid a potentially costly and lengthy trial. However, Baldoni’s legal team still has the option to file an amended complaint by June 23rd, 2025, which could potentially reignite the legal proceedings. The original lawsuit stemmed from claims of defamation made by Baldoni against Lively and Reynolds. While the details of these claims remain undisclosed, the dismissal suggests the judge found insufficient evidence to support Baldoni’s allegations. The case is scheduled to go to trial on March 9th, 2026, if an amended complaint is not filed or deemed unsatisfactory. The dismissal brings a temporary resolution to a high-profile legal dispute in Hollywood, but the possibility of a renewed legal challenge remains open.