Judge rules Blake Lively can recover legal fees from Justin Baldoni’s dismissed defamation suit, denies request for punitive or triple damages
SUMMARY
A federal judge has ruled that Blake Lively is entitled to recover legal fees and costs incurred in defending against Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit, which was dismissed in 2025. However, the judge denied her requests for punitive and treble (triple) damages under California Civil Code Section 47.1, a law designed to protect individuals who report sexual misconduct. The decision follows a May 2026 settlement of their broader legal dispute, which included no financial exchange. Lively had sued Baldoni for sexual harassment in 2024; most of her claims were dismissed. Baldoni’s countersuit was also dismissed. The judge noted there was no evidence of malice in Lively’s statements, supporting her fee recovery, but emphasized that Section 47.1 does not override federal procedural rights. Lively may still pursue damages through a separate lawsuit.
The headline and summary are AI-generated to reduce bias
Judge rules Blake Lively can recover legal fees from Justin Baldoni’s dismissed defamation suit, denies request for punitive or triple damages
SUMMARY
A federal judge has ruled that Blake Lively is entitled to recover legal fees and costs incurred in defending against Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit, which was dismissed in 2025. However, the judge denied her requests for punitive and treble (triple) damages under California Civil Code Section 47.1, a law designed to protect individuals who report sexual misconduct. The decision follows a May 2026 settlement of their broader legal dispute, which included no financial exchange. Lively had sued Baldoni for sexual harassment in 2024; most of her claims were dismissed. Baldoni’s countersuit was also dismissed. The judge noted there was no evidence of malice in Lively’s statements, supporting her fee recovery, but emphasized that Section 47.1 does not override federal procedural rights. Lively may still pursue damages through a separate lawsuit.
The headline and summary are AI-generated to reduce bias
The sources vary widely in framing, tone, and completeness. While all agree on core facts—Lively’s recovery of legal fees, denial of enhanced damages, and the prior settlement—their interpretations diverge significantly. USA Today and NBC News offer the most balanced and informative coverage, while Fox News and Daily Mail exhibit strong partisan framing. New York Post supports Lively’s narrative, and Daily Mail emphasizes her defeat. Readers should consult multiple sources to understand the full legal and factual context.
Blake Lively can seek legal fees but no damages in Justin Baldoni defamation case, judge rules
Read this article for framing that is concise and neutral, focusing on the core legal outcome.
Be aware that it provides minimal context on legal arguments or attorney reactions, limiting depth.
Justin Baldoni ordered to pay Blake Lively's legal costs over defamation suit
Read this article for framing that is legally precise and balanced in assessing both parties’ positions.
Be aware that it provides balanced legal context but does not include direct public statements from either party.
Blake Lively dealt fresh blow as judge rejects bid for massive payout from Justin Baldoni following shock settlement
Read this article for framing that is critical of Blake Lively’s legal strategy and emphasizes her setbacks.
Be aware that it uses sensational language and frames the ruling as a personal defeat for Lively, despite her winning fee recovery.
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Justin Baldoni attorney rips Blake Lively after judge awards limited attorney fees
Read this article for framing that is entirely supportive of Justin Baldoni and dismissive of Blake Lively’s legal claims.
Be aware that it relies entirely on one-sided legal statements and omits the judge’s actual ruling details.
Blake Lively scores another legal win after dragging Justin Baldoni back to court
Read this article for framing that is celebratory of Blake Lively’s legal standing and advocacy for survivors.
Be aware that it emphasizes Lively’s success while downplaying the denial of damages and Baldoni’s partial legal standing.
ADVANCED ANALYSIS
WHAT SOURCES AGREE ON
1 / 5- ✓ Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled on June 12, 2026, that Blake Lively is entitled to recover legal fees and costs related to defending against Justin Baldoni’s dismissed $400 million defamation lawsuit.
- ✓ The judge denied Lively’s requests for punitive damages and treble (triple) damages under California Civil Code Section 47.1.
- ✓ Lively and Baldoni settled their broader legal dispute in May 2026, just before trial, with no money reportedly changing hands.
- ✓ Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times was dismissed in 2025.
- ✓ Lively had initially sued Baldoni for sexual harassment in December 2024; most of her claims were later dismissed by the court.
- ✓ The legal fees awarded are limited to those incurred in defending against the defamation suit, not broader damages.
Fox News
NBC News
USA Today
Daily Mail
New York Post
Fox News
NBC News
USA Today
Daily Mail
New York Post
Fox News
NBC News
USA Today
Daily Mail
New York Post
Fox News
NBC News
USA Today
Daily Mail
New York Post
Blake Lively can seek legal fees but no damages in Justin Baldoni defamation case, judge rules
Justin Baldoni ordered to pay Blake Lively's legal costs over defamation suit
Blake Lively dealt fresh blow as judge rejects bid for massive payout from Justin Baldoni following shock settlement
Justin Baldoni attorney rips Blake Lively after judge awards limited attorney fees
Blake Lively scores another legal win after dragging Justin Baldoni back to court