Blake Lively seeks $8 million in legal fees from Justin Baldoni after film lawsuit settlement

Actress Blake Lively is demanding roughly $8 million from actor Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios to cover her legal and litigation costs stemming from their recently settled lawsuit concerning their film "It Ends With Us." Court documents filed in New York indicate that Baldoni's team must respond to Lively's claim by mid-July, after which a judge will determine the final amount awarded.

The legal battle between the stars, who co-starred in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, began in December 2024. Lively, married to actor Ryan Reynolds, initially sued Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment during the film's production and accusing him and producer Jamey Heath of attempting to damage her reputation. Baldoni, who also directed the film, responded with his own lawsuit, including claims of defamation against Lively and Reynolds.

However, the legal proceedings saw several key developments. A judge dismissed Baldoni's defamation lawsuit in November. Subsequently, in early April, many of Lively's allegations, including those of sexual harassment, were also dismissed by the court. Only three of the original thirteen points, primarily related to breach of contract, were slated to proceed to trial.

Ultimately, the parties reached an out-of-court settlement in May, bringing the court dispute to a close. Crucially, the judge granted Lively the right to seek reimbursement for her legal expenses. The film itself, based on the bestselling novel, centers on a couple, portrayed by Lively and Baldoni, involved in an abusive relationship.