Blake Lively awarded only a fraction of legal costs in dispute with Justin Baldoni

Actress Blake Lively will receive just over $407,000 in legal and other costs stemming from her dispute with actor and director Justin Baldoni, a significant reduction from the $8 million she had sought. The ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman awarded Lively $363,245 for legal fees and $44,206 for other court costs.

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fanciful and excessive

Judge Liman sharply criticized Lively's demand, describing it as "fanciful and excessive." The awarded amount represents approximately five percent of what Lively had requested, a stark contrast to her initial claim. This outcome follows a broader legal battle initiated after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of the movie "It Ends With Us." Baldoni, who starred in and directed the film, denied the allegations and subsequently filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and others.

Lively's legal team celebrated the decision, framing it as a landmark moment in the application of California law designed to protect individuals who report sexual harassment. They emphasized that the ruling supports anti-retaliation measures for whistleblowers. However, Bryan Freedman, Baldoni's lawyer, declared the outcome a substantial victory for his clients, pointing out that the judge had rejected the vast majority of Lively's claim.

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landmark ruling in the application of California law designed to protect individuals against retaliation after they report sexual harassment.

In June, Lively had formally requested reimbursement for $7.5 million in legal expenses and over $539,000 for other costs associated with the case. While both parties reached a settlement in May with neither receiving damages, sources cited by Page Six suggest that their respective legal teams collectively earned around $60 million for their work on the protracted dispute.

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a significant victory for his clients and pointed out that the judge had rejected the vast majority of Lively's claim.