Justin Baldoni has decided not to refile his $400 million defamation lawsuit against actress Blake Lively. The original suit which also named Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds and publicist Leslie Sloane, was dismissed earlier this month by Judge Lewis J. Liman. Although Baldoni was given until June 23 to amend and refile, he’s now choosing a new legal strategy.
In a statement shared by his attorney Bryan Freedman, Baldoni confirmed he won’t amend the previous complaint. “The court’s decision… has no effect whatsoever on the truth that there was no harassment nor any smear campaign,” Freedman stated. He added that Baldoni will now pursue “additional legal options”.
The legal battle began after Lively accused Baldoni of misconduct, prompting his defamation countersuit. As it is now dismissed, the court allowed Baldoni to refile limited claims. But instead, he’s choosing to respond differently as both sides continue legal discovery.
Following Baldoni’s decision, a spokesperson for Blake Lively commented, calling the lawsuit “frivolous” and the dismissal “a total victory.” Meanwhile, Lively’s legal team has continued their own actions, recently sending out new subpoenas in connection with her claims.
The legal fight between Baldoni and Lively is far from over. While the initial lawsuit has ended, the shift in strategy indicates Baldoni isn’t backing down. Both legal teams are now preparing for further developments in what remains a high-profile Hollywood dispute.
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