Hollywood Power Couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds to Dismiss Justin Baldoni Defamation Lawsuit

Hollywood’s latest legal drama continues to unfold as Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, the beloved power couple of Tinseltown, have announced their intention to seek dismissal in the ongoing defamation lawsuit brought against them by Justin Baldoni, as reported by Variety.

The saga began when Lively, 37, filed a $250 million lawsuit against Baldoni, 41, her co-star and director in the film “It Ends With Us,” accusing him of sexual harassment during filming and launching a smear campaign against her after she spoke out about the alleged mistreatment. In response, Baldoni denied these allegations and countersued Lively for $400 million, claiming that she defamed him and his team.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Baldoni and his publicists alleged that Lively and Reynolds pressured the talent agency WME to drop Baldoni as a client, a claim that WME has vehemently denied. The legal battle escalated when Judge Lewis Liman ordered the consolidation of the separate lawsuits, prompting the Lively-Reynolds legal team to file a notice of dismissal.

The Hollywood power couple’s attorney, Michael J. Gottlieb, confirmed the decision, stating that the Lively-Reynolds parties intend to move to dismiss the complaint. This development comes as both sides prepare for their first court hearing on Monday, February 3, to address the escalating tensions surrounding the “It Ends With Us” controversy.

Amidst the legal proceedings, Lively’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, has also been named as a defendant in Baldoni’s lawsuit, further complicating the legal battle. Lawyers on both sides have expressed willingness to merge the federal cases into a single proceeding, indicating a potential step towards resolution.

As the courtroom drama unfolds, the focus is set to shift to Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, whose conduct has come under scrutiny following allegations of prejudicial comments in the media. Freedman has defended his actions, arguing that he has the right to publicly defend his client against what he perceives as attempts to tarnish Baldoni’s reputation.

In a surprising turn of events, Baldoni’s legal team has requested Lively’s deposition to take place promptly, citing her reluctance to be questioned by Freedman. The issue is expected to be addressed during the upcoming court hearing, adding another layer of complexity to the already contentious legal battle.

Looking ahead, the long-standing legal dispute between Lively, Reynolds, and Baldoni is set to culminate in a trial date scheduled for March 9, 2026, underscoring the enduring nature of the Hollywood drama that has captured the attention of fans and industry insiders alike.

As the courtroom showdown approaches, the stakes are higher than ever for the glamorous trio, promising a legal battle filled with twists, turns, and high-profile drama that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.