Blake Lively awarded $400,000 of $8m she claimed for legal fees in Baldoni battle

Actress Blake Lively has received a portion of the $8 million she originally sought to cover her legal fees following a defamation battle with her former co-star, Justin Baldoni. The California judge awarded her $400,000 (£340,000) from the total amount claimed. Lively initially sued Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation following their collaboration on the 2024 film "It Ends With Us."

After he countersued for defamation, a judge dismissed his complaint in 2025. Lively argued she should receive $7.5 million (£6.4 million) in legal fees and costs, but the judge determined she should only receive $407,451. The judge deemed her request excessive, noting she claimed fees for unnecessary additional costs and time spent defending the defamation claim.

Lawyer Bryan Freedman commented that the ruling sends a strong message against using the legal system for personal gain.