Actress Blake Lively has broken her silence following the dismissal of a $400 million countersuit filed against her and husband Ryan Reynolds by actor Justin Baldoni.
Taking to Instagram Stories, the Gossip Girl star shared her relief and gratitude, stating, “Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us.”
Lively expressed concern for others facing similar legal battles, adding, “While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back.”
Reaffirming her support for women’s rights, Lively said she is now more determined to stand up for every woman’s right to protect themselves and their stories. “I am now more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman’s right to have a voice in protecting themselves — their safety, their integrity, their dignity, and their story,” she wrote.
The actress also thanked supporters, writing, “With love and gratitude for the many who stood by me — many of you I know, many of you I don’t. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.” She concluded by sharing a list of organisations that support and provide resources for women.
The legal dispute saw a major turn when U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman granted a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s countersuit, which had accused Lively and Reynolds of extortion and defamation. The judge also dismissed his separate $250 million defamation suit against The New York Times.
Lively’s legal team celebrated the ruling, calling it “a total victory and a complete vindication.” They also stated their intent to pursue attorneys’ fees, treble damages, and punitive damages against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios.
Despite the dismissal, Baldoni’s legal team has until June 23 to amend claims related to breach of implied covenant and tortious interference.
Meanwhile, Lively’s own lawsuit against Baldoni — which includes allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, claims Baldoni has denied — is set to go to trial in March 2026.