Blake Lively takes Justin Baldoni back to court. Here's why

Liza Esquibias, USA TODAYTue, June 2, 2026 at 6:18 PM UTC

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Blake Lively is taking Justin Baldoni back to court weeks after settling their yearslong legal battle.

Attorneys for the former "It Ends with Us" costars were back in court Monday, June 1, regarding the 38-year-old actress' request that Baldoni, 42, pay her costs, fees and damages relating to the 2025 defamation lawsuit he filed against her, which a judge later dismissed, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY.

Citing a new California law that aims to protect those who file harassment complaints from retaliatory defamation suits, Lively asserts she is entitled to all compensatory rewards provided under the statue, including attorney's costs and fees incurred to defend herself in the litigation, along with punitive damages and treble damages – a penalty that triples the amount of actual damages should she win.

Justin Baldoni questions Blake Lively's request

In a letter to Judge Lewis Liman, the actor's attorney Ellyn S. Garofalo wrote that "there is no authority to support the notion" that the California statute backing Lively's claims "can be used to do an end run around a plaintiff or defendant's right to a jury trial." Garofalo added that "since Lively has dismissed her claims, and relinquished her right to appeal," she isn't entitled to damages.

What really happened? Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni both declare court 'victory'

Lively's lawyers argue that the statue "helps take the burden off of survivors by providing reasonable attorneys' fees and damages if they successfully defend themselves against meritless lawsuits," referring to her successful motion for the dismissal of Baldoni's previous $400 million countersuit against her, her husband, Ryan Reynolds and The New York Times.

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USA TODAY reached out to representatives for Lively and Baldoni for comment.

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni allegations of misconduct and defamation, explained

In January 2025, Baldoni took legal action against the "Gossip Girl" alum in response to the sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit filed against him and his production company. In the suit, she claimed Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of domestic violence drama "It Ends with Us" and helped orchestrate a smear campaign against her.

Liman dismissed the countersuit in June 2025, ruling in agreement with Lively's motion that Baldoni's claims of civil extortion, defamation and false light did not hold up legally. The pair continued to battle in court over Lively's suit, but the judge dismissed all but three of her 16 causes of action on April 2.

Days before they were set to begin their trial on May 18, Lively and Baldoni reached a settlement in the case.

Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni back in court weeks after settlement

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