“Today’s ruling makes it clear that Ms. Lively brought her claims in good faith… and that she is the prevailing defendant,” her attorneys tell EW.

Blake Lively scores partial victory over Justin Baldoni in latest It Ends With Us ruling

"Today's ruling makes it clear that Ms. Lively brought her claims in good faith... and that she is the prevailing defendant," her attorneys tell EW.

By Kathleen Perricone

June 12, 2026 3:31 p.m. ET

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Blake Lively; Justin Baldoni. Credit:

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; John Nacion/Variety via Getty

- Blake Lively scored a partial victory in her ongoing legal battle with *It Ends With Us *costar and director, Justin Baldoni.

- A federal court ruled that Baldoni must pay Lively's attorney fees, an amount that is as-yet undetermined.

- "Today's ruling makes it clear that Ms. Lively brought her claims in good faith... and that she is the prevailing defendant," her lawyers tell **.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have both claimed victory in their epic legal battle, but the actress just scored a financial win in the latest ruling.

A federal court decided that Baldoni must pay the attorney fees of his* **It Ends With Us* costar. However, Lively's additional request for punitive damages was denied by the judge overseeing the case.

As of press time, the amount Baldoni's Wayfarer Studios will have to reimburse Blake is undetermined.

Lively and Baldoni in 'It Ends With Us'.

"Today's ruling makes it clear that Ms. Lively brought her claims in good faith, that there was no evidence she acted with malice, and that she is the prevailing defendant under Section 47.1," her attorneys Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson tell ** in a statement. "Ms. Lively is gratified that her lawsuit shows how Section 47.1 and laws like it create a path for survivors to hold accountable those who weaponize online attacks and retaliatory lawsuits to intimidate and silence survivors."

Baldoni's attorney did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment on the ruling.

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On May 4, the two sides reached a settlement just as their 17-month case was set to go to trial. "The end product — the movie *It Ends With Us* — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life," Lively and Baldoni, who starred as a couple in an abusive relationship, said in a joint statement.

"We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard," continued the statement, referencing her allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy — all of which were dismissed by a judge — against Baldoni, who also directed and produced the 2024 film. "It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online."

Lively leaves federal court in New York City on Feb. 11.

TIMOTHY A.CLARY/AFP via Getty

Lawyers for Lively and Baldoni subsequently put out individual statements that seemed to reheat the flames between the embroiled stars.

"It was a huge victory," Baldoni's attorney Bryan Freedman said the next day on *TMZ Live* of the pre-trial settlement. "It was an incredible opportunity, and I don't think you pass up an incredible opportunity."

Baldoni arrives at federal court with his wife Emily on Feb. 12.

John Nacion/Getty

Two days later on May 7, Lively's lawyers Gottlieb and Hudson shared a statement with EW declaring "a resounding victory" for their client. "By agreeing to this settlement, and waiving their right to appeal, Justin Baldoni and every individual defendant now face personal liability for abusing the legal system to silence and intimidate Ms. Lively."

Freedman countered, telling *Entertainment Tonight* of the opposing counsel: “I think they have their own interpretation of what they think is the law… but when you want to parade around and call a loss a victory, this is your attempt to do so.”

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Gottlieb and Hudson moved forward with their intent to seek damages, legal fees, and other financial penalties against the defendants under a California law that protects individuals who sue for sexual misconduct from being hit with retaliatory defamation lawsuits by the accused, the *Los Angeles Times** *reported.

They claimed Baldoni violated that law when he filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively in January 2025, weeks after she accused him of sexual harassment and coordinating an online smear campaign against her during the promotion of *It Ends With Us*.

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