Justin Baldoni is not going to refile claims in his countersuit against Blake Lively.
Justin Baldoni isn’t moving forward with his countersuit claims
The 41-year-old actor previously launched a $400 million countersuit against his It Ends with Us co-star, her husband Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane – the couple’s publicist – and the New York Times newspaper, after she accused him of causing her “severe emotional distress”, but earlier this month, Judge Lewis J. Liman granted motions to dismiss the lawsuit.
While the judge noted Justin could amend his claims for breach of implied covenant and tortious interference with contract, his lawyer, Brian Freedman, has announced they are not submitting any amendments but are looking into other options instead.
Brian told People magazine in a statement: “The Court’s decision on the motion to dismiss has no effect whatsoever on the truth that there was no harassment nor any smear campaign, and it does not in any way affect our vigorous defense against Ms. Lively’s claims.
“Discovery is proceeding and we are confident that we will prevail against these factually baseless accusations.
“Instead of revising the existing claims, our clients will be pursuing additional legal options that are available to us.”
Following the judge’s ruling, Blake vowed to keep fighting for other women.
She wrote on Instagram: “Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organizations united in defending women’s rights to speak up for their safety. Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us.
“While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back.
“I’m more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman’s right to have a voice in protecting themselves, including their safety, their integrity, their dignity and their story.
“There are protections out there. Check out some of the incredible organizations below for resources and information.
“With love and gratitude for the many who stood by me, many of you I know. Many of you I don’t. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.
“- B (sic)”
Blake’s post featured links to organisations such as the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, New York Cyber Abuse Task Force, Women’s Equal Justice, and Women’s Justice NOW.
Meanwhile, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, the Gossip Girl star’s attorneys, hailed the judge’s ruling as a “complete vindication” for the actress.
They said in a statement obtained by People: “Today’s opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane and The New York Times.”
The attorneys described Justin’s countersuit as a “sham”.
They continued: “As we have said from day one, this ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the court saw right through it.
“We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys’ fees, treble damages and punitive damages against Baldoni, [Steve] Sarowitz, [Melissa] Nathan and the other Wayfarer Parties who perpetrated this abusive litigation.”
