Blake Lively Lawsuit Dropped but Baldoni Can Amend Complaint

[Source: ABC 7 News]

Celebrity lawyer and legal analyst Christopher C. Melcher, who is ranked as a best family law attorney in California, explains how even though Blake Lively‘s lawsuit was dismissed, Justin Baldoni can still file an amended complaint.

The legal battle between actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, which started after the release of their film It Ends With Us, has taken a major turn. Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit has been dismissed by a New York judge, who ruled that Lively’s statements were protected under the First Amendment. The case, filled with allegations including sexual harassment and a smear campaign, has seen months of back-and-forth litigation. Both parties’ cases have now been significantly weakened, and legal experts believe the courtroom drama may soon come to an end—unless Baldoni chooses to file an amended complaint by June 23.

Host 1:

Well, it was a high-profile Hollywood fight between two stars that involved everything from allegations of sexual harassment to claims of a widespread smear campaign.

Host 2:

But tonight, Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit has been dismissed by a judge right here in New York.

Host 1:

Entertainment reporter Joelle Gargiulo joins us now with details. So, is this now over, Joelle?

Joelle Gargiulo:

As I’m learning, that is a complicated question these days. I will just say that the heated battle between the co-stars of the film, It Ends With Us, began back in December and after back and forth that dominated the headlines for months, as it turns out, part of this legal drama could end with the judge. When It Ends With Us hit theaters in August of last year, few could have predicted the drama that would play out off-screen.

Joelle Gargiulo:

We have celebrity lawyer and legal analyst Christopher C. Melcher here to break it down.What does this latest court ruling mean?

First Amendment Protections

Christopher Melcher:

So the judge gutted Justin’s lawsuit mostly on First Amendment grounds, saying that Blake’s complaints about him are protected speech so he can’t sue her for it.

Joelle Gargiulo:

To understand how the legal drama of It Ends With Us began, let’s backtrack. August 9th, the film is released.

How does This Defamation Case End?

Joelle Gargiulo:

Soon after, speculation of a potential riff begins as Baldoni and Lively do not do press together. Then things get a bit more complicated as past interviews that portray Lively in a negative light start to resurface online. Fast-forward to December 20th, Lively files an initial complaint against Baldoni accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of the film and says Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her. A New York Times article detailed the allegation. December 31st, Baldoni sues the New York Times, the same day Lively formalizes her initial complaint into a lawsuit against him. Then on January 16th, Baldoni sues Lively, her publicist, and Ryan Reynolds for civil extortion and defamation. Back and forth has been playing out ever since. So does the drama surrounding It Ends With Us in the courtroom end with this?

Christopher Melcher:

This case might end with this and really both of them have been dealt fatal blows by this judge. So I’m anticipating without much left to either of their cases that they’re going to have to resolve or walk away from it.

Joelle Gargiulo:

In a statement, Lively’s attorney said, “Today’s opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively.” Adding, “We have said from day one, this $400 million lawsuit was a sham and the court saw right through it.”

The judge ruled that Baldoni can file an amended complaint, but must do so by June 23rd. So far no comment from the actor or his team. I’ll send it back to you.

For more information from Chris, follow him over on Twitter at @CA_Divorce. He is a partner of Walzer Melcher Yoda LLP, which is ranked a a best family law firm in Los Angeles, California.