Baldoni, who co-starred and directed the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, had alleged that Lively, Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane defamed him in connection with Lively’s civil rights complaint filed in December 2024. The complaint included allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and a smear campaign during and after the film’s production. Baldoni, who has denied the allegations, filed his countersuit in January.
According to court documents obtained by multiple outlets including Page Six and CNN, Judge Liman determined that Lively’s complaint was protected by legal privilege under California law, which shields such statements made in civil rights proceedings. Additionally, the court ruled that Baldoni failed to show that Reynolds, Sloane, or The New York Times acted with “actual malice” or seriously doubted the truth of the statements in question—criteria necessary to sustain a defamation claim.
The court allowed Baldoni until June 23 to amend two claims: breach of the implied covenant of good faith and tortious interference with contract. These claims relate to alleged disruptions to existing agreements and potential reputational damage involving Reynolds and Lively.
In a statement to Page Six, Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, called the decision a “total victory and a complete vindication.” They further criticized Baldoni’s lawsuit as a “sham” and stated their intent to pursue attorneys’ fees, punitive damages, and treble damages.
While Baldoni’s legal team did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the broader legal battle remains active, with a trial date set for March 2026.