Justin Baldoni wants Blake Lively’s $161 million lawsuit against him to be tossed out.
On Thursday, the actor, 41, filed a formal request to dismiss the suit, according to court documents obtained by Page Six.
Baldoni argued that Lively, 38, cannot prove her sexual harassment, retaliation, failure to investigate, aiding and abetting, defamation and false light and conspiracy claims.
He also argued that she cannot prove her contract claims, insisting she “was an independent contractor, not an employee.”
Justin Baldoni wants Blake Lively’s $161 million lawsuit against him to be tossed out. GC Images
On Thursday, the actor filed a formal request to dismiss the suit, according to court documents obtained by Page Six. Variety via Getty Images
Baldoni went on to reject “several aspects” of Lively’s damages claims.
Last week, the actress claimed in court documents that she is out a whopping $161 million as a result of Baldoni’s alleged actions.
She claimed she lost $56.2 million in earnings — past and future — from her acting and producing gigs, speaking engagements and endorsements.
She claimed her haircare brand, Blake Brown, suffered to the tune of $49 million and that her drink company, Betty Buzz/Betty Booze, lost $22 million.
He argued that Lively cannot prove her sexual harassment, retaliation, failure to investigate, aiding and abetting, defamation and false light and conspiracy claims. GC Images
He also argued that she cannot prove her contract claims, insisting she “was an independent contractor, not an employee.” GC Images
Furthermore, Lively claimed she took a $34 million hit to her reputation after she discovered 65 million negative impressions about her on social media.
However, Baldoni argued that “no reasonable jury” would find him guilty because damages for lost profits must be proven with “reasonable certainty” and cannot be “speculative, possible or imaginary.”
According to Baldoni, Lively’s suit “lacks standing to assert claims for lost profits or royalties,” and he insisted she “cannot recover speculative lost profits.”
Reps for Lively and Baldoni did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.
Baldoni went on to reject “several aspects” of Lively’s damages claims. GC Images
Last week, the actress claimed in court documents that she is out a whopping $161 million as a result of Baldoni’s alleged actions. Christopher Peterson / SplashNews.com
Lively sued her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director in December 2024 for alleged sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and lost wages.
She alleged that Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of their August 2024 movie and that after they held a meeting to address his alleged behavior, he allegedly hired a crisis management team to destroy her reputation.
However, Baldoni argued that “no reasonable jury” would find him guilty because damages for lost profits must be proven with “reasonable certainty” and cannot be “speculative, possible or imaginary.” GC Images
According to Baldoni, Lively’s suit “lacks standing to assert claims for lost profits or royalties,” and he insisted she “cannot recover speculative lost profits.” Getty Images for Sony Pictures
Baldoni — who has continued to deny Lively’s allegations against him — responded in January by filing a $400 million defamation and extortion countersuit against her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
His countersuit — as well as his $250 million libel lawsuit against the New York Times, which was first to report on Lively’s claims — were tossed out in June.
Despite the recent formal closure of his case, Baldoni has made it clear that he’s not done putting up a fight. Lively’s case will be tried in March 2026.