A New York judge on Thursday closed actress Blake Lively’s case against her ‘It Ends With Us’ co-star Justin Baldoni, but has yet to decide whether the performer is entitled to millions in compensation for legal costs and damages.
According to documents posted today in the case’s digital archive, Lively’s defense counsel reminded Judge Lewis Leman that the parties settled all outstanding claims in the lawsuit following their settlement this past Monday, «except for one,» and credited him with the authority to decide.
Specifically, it refers to a claim that includes Lively’s costs and attorneys’ fees, as well as compensatory damages «that are automatically trebled by statute» and indemnification under California Civil Code section 47.1, a motion states.
Lively’s defense asked the judge to resolve that claim as soon as possible, explaining that the rule imposes «severe and mandatory penalties against anyone who brings unsuccessful defamatory actions against sexual harassment and retaliation complainants,» and calls Baldoni «prototypical.»
Blake Lively isn’t giving up? She still wants money from Justin Baldoni
Lively and Baldoni waived their right to appeal in the closed case but acknowledged that still pending was the actress’s claim for costs and damages, the outcome of which they also agreed not to appeal, the magistrate’s dismissal order states.
Despite this, Baldoni’s lawyers have argued that compensation is unnecessary and the amount may be «draconian,» with millions of dollars at stake, The New York Times reports.
The judge in April dismissed most of Lively’s allegations against Baldoni, including harassment, defamation and conspiracy, and last Monday’s settlement between the actors resolved the remaining allegations of breach of contract and retaliation.
Lively’s defense said in a media statement that the settlement is «a thunderous victory» for the actress, whose mission was «to expose and hold accountable those who weaponize defamatory campaigns and retaliatory lawsuits to intimidate and silence survivors.»
However, Baldoni’s lawyers countered today, claiming «a total victory» in the case under the argument that Lively sought the settlement «because they knew they were going to lose in court,» and only the compensation issue remains «which has been in court since September 2025,» reported Agencia EFE.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.