Actress Alleges Massive Financial and Reputational Damage
Hollywood actress Blake Lively has launched a significant new legal offensive, alleging staggering financial losses exceeding $161 million in her ongoing courtroom drama with co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The dispute revolves around the film adaptation of 'It Ends With Us'.
According to newly unsealed court documents, the 38-year-old star claims to have suffered extensive harm to both her professional career and personal reputation since the lawsuit was first initiated in December 2024.
Breaking Down the Multi-Million Dollar Claim
A detailed report from Variety outlines the breakdown of Lively's claimed damages. The filings state that the actress lost an estimated $56.2 million in past and future earnings. This colossal sum encompasses lost income from acting roles, producing fees, lucrative endorsement deals, and paid public appearances.
Her business ventures have also taken a substantial hit. Lively claims her beauty brand suffered losses of $49 million, while her beverage brand was impacted to the tune of an additional $22 million.
Perhaps the most striking part of the claim is the $34 million attributed purely to reputational harm. Her legal team describes this as a direct result of an alleged 'smear campaign' against her. They point to the overwhelming negativity on social media, citing a staggering 65 million negative online impressions directly linked to the dispute as measurable proof of the damage.
Legal Experts and a Star-Studded Witness List
However, some legal professionals are urging caution before accepting these figures at face value. Gregory Doll, a Los Angeles attorney not involved in the case, commented to Variety, calling the numbers a 'wish list'. He explained that plaintiffs often inflate initial claims to pressure the opposing side into considering a settlement.
Adding a layer of high-profile intrigue to the case is the rumoured list of potential witnesses for Lively's side. The disclosure reportedly includes an A-list roster of celebrities and industry powerhouses such as:
- Taylor Swift
- Emily Blunt
- Gigi Hadid
- Hugh Jackman
- Music manager Scooter Braun
- Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel
- Sony Pictures Chairman Tony Vinciquerra
- Sony’s Motion Picture Group Chairman Tom Rothman
The involvement of Sony executives is particularly relevant, as the studio's Columbia Pictures division was responsible for producing and distributing 'It Ends With Us'.
Case Timeline and a Dismissed Counter-Lawsuit
The central trial, where Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual misconduct and orchestrating the smear campaign, is officially scheduled for March 2026.
In a recent legal victory for Lively, a $400 million defamation lawsuit filed against her by Justin Baldoni was dismissed. Baldoni had sued the actress, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, the court ruled that Lively's allegations were part of a protected civil rights complaint and could not form the basis for a defamation case. Baldoni chose not to appeal the ruling before the deadline, effectively closing that chapter of their legal war.
