Blake Lively’s legal team is vigorously challenging the $400 million lawsuit filed against her by actor Justin Baldoni, ahead of their trial scheduled for 2026. Lively’s attorneys filed a new motion on Thursday, March 20, seeking to dismiss Baldoni’s complaint, citing a California law designed to protect individuals from retaliation after reporting sexual misconduct.
The legal filing, which was submitted on Lively’s behalf, labeled Baldoni’s lawsuit as “vengeful and rambling” and an “abuse of the legal system,” according to People Magazine. Lively’s team argues that the lawsuit is an attempt to silence her and discredit the allegations she has made, aiming to “bury” her claims and “destroy” her for speaking out.
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At the core of Lively’s defense is California Civil Code Section 47.1, a relatively new law that prohibits retaliatory lawsuits tied to claims of sexual harassment. Lively’s legal team believes that Baldoni and his co-defendants should be subject to the provisions of this law, which would require them to cover Lively’s legal fees, as well as potentially face treble damages and punitive damages if the case proceeds under this statute.
Lively’s representative emphasized the broader issue at play, stating: “The painful reality is that Ms. Lively is not alone in being sued for defamation after speaking up about workplace sexual harassment. That is exactly why California recently enacted AB 933, which codified Civil Code Section 47.1.” This highlights the legal protections afforded to those who come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, aiming to curb retaliatory actions like the one Lively is currently facing.
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The lawsuit has drawn attention for its dramatic nature, with Baldoni accusing Lively of defamation, though the actress and her legal team strongly deny the accusations, viewing the case as an effort to intimidate or retaliate against her.
The legal battle between the two stars is set to unfold in court on March 9th, 2026, as the dispute continues to capture public interest. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how retaliatory lawsuits are handled in the context of sexual harassment claims.
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