Blake Lively Accuses Justin Baldoni of Silencing Harassment Survivors

Explosive Legal Feud: Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Over Harassment Claims

By M Muzamil Shami - April 8, 2025

      Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni during the press tour of It Ends With Us.

Blake Lively is turning up the heat in her high-profile legal showdown with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, accusing him of trying to suppress victims of sexual harassment.

According to a recent TMZ report, Lively alleges that Baldoni is attempting to silence sexual harassment survivors, intensifying their ongoing courtroom clash. This legal battle, now catching fire across the entertainment world, began when the actress filed a harassment lawsuit in December 2024, claiming that Baldoni not only assaulted her but also orchestrated a smear campaign against her.

Baldoni struck back fiercely with a massive $400 million defamation suit, followed by an additional $250 million libel case targeting The New York Times for publishing Lively’s allegations.

This week, Baldoni issued a new public statement, calling Lively’s actions a “PR stunt designed to destroy the careers of the Wayfarer parties.” He maintains he’s merely defending his First Amendment rights to clear his name from what he calls false and damaging accusations.

But Lively’s legal team wasn’t having it. In a scathing rebuttal to TMZ, they said:

“That’s right: Justin Baldoni, the man who built his public persona on supporting victims, now wants to deny sexual assault victims their First Amendment rights — favoring instead the power of predators to sue their accusers into silence.”

Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, dismissed Lively’s statement as “inflammatory,” accusing the actress of avoiding deeper discussion while promoting beauty products and alcohol during her film’s press circuit.

Both stars, who not only co-starred but also co-produced the film adaptation of It Ends With Us, are set to meet in court on March 9, 2026. With $650 million in lawsuits at stake, this case may redefine the conversation around celebrity accountability and the balance between free speech and defamation.

What Do You Think?

Do public figures like Baldoni risk undermining their reputations when suing alleged victims?
Can a defamation suit coexist with survivor advocacy?
Drop your thoughts below — your voice matters!

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FAQs

Q1: What started the legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
A: It began with Lively's sexual harassment lawsuit filed in December 2024, followed by Baldoni's massive defamation countersuits.

Q2: When is the court date for their case?
A: The trial is scheduled for March 9, 2026.

Q3: What are the total damages being claimed?
A: Over $650 million combined between Baldoni’s defamation/libel claims and Lively’s initial lawsuit.