The legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is intensifying as both sides prepare for their upcoming trial. Blake Lively’s legal team is making a strong effort to have Baldoni’s claims dismissed, arguing that his lawsuit is entirely baseless.
Blake Lively, 37, recently filed a new appeal, citing a California law designed to protect individuals from retaliation after reporting sexual misconduct. This move comes as part of her legal strategy to challenge Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit, which she and her attorneys claim is an attempt to silence her.
On Thursday, March 20, the Gossip Girl alum and her legal team submitted a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s complaint. The legal filing, obtained by People Magazine, describes Baldoni’s lawsuit as “vengeful and rambling” and an outright abuse of the legal system.
Blake Lively’s lawyers assert that Baldoni’s legal action is a deliberate effort to “bury” her allegations and “destroy” her credibility for speaking out. As part of their defense, Lively’s team argues that Baldoni and his co-defendants should be held accountable under California Civil Code Section 47.1, a recently enacted law that protects individuals from retaliatory lawsuits linked to sexual harassment claims.
If the court enforces this rule, Baldoni and his co-defendants may be required to cover Blake Lively’s legal expenses, treble damages, and punitive damages. This could significantly impact the course of the trial, which is set to begin on March 9, 2026.
A representative for Blake Lively reinforced her position, stating, “The painful reality is that Ms. Lively is not alone in being sued for defamation after speaking up about workplace sexual harassment. That is exactly why California recently enacted AB 933, which codified Civil Code Section 47.1.”
As the trial date approaches, Blake Lively remains steadfast in her legal battle. The high-profile case is expected to draw significant public attention, highlighting ongoing discussions about workplace harassment and the legal protections available to those who speak out.