Baldoni responds to Lively's motion to dismiss 362 million euro counterclaim

Justin Baldoni has filed a response to Blake Lively's attempt to dismiss his 362 million euro defamation lawsuit, which he filed after Lively accused him of sexual harassment and retaliation. The harassment allegedly occurred during the filming of 'It Ends With Us,' released in August 2024, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, who also directed. Lively's lawyers recently filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that it violates Section 47.1 of the California Civil Code, which prohibits retaliatory actions following public reports of harassment. Their lawyers described the claims as 'vindictive and extravagant' and requested the dismissal of the lawsuit as well as payment of attorney's fees and damages. Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, claimed that Lively tried to 'make calculated efforts' to take control of the film and then defamed him when her plan failed. He stated that the allegations in the lawsuit are specific enough to survive a dismissal, and that Lively should not be entitled to damages or attorney's fees even if the motion is granted. He warned that dismissing the lawsuit would set a 'dangerous precedent' and threaten First Amendment rights, as Baldoni has a constitutional right to defend his reputation. 'This right protects not only Mr. Baldoni and the Wayfarer parties in this particular case, but all Americans who are wrongly accused and turn to our legal system in the future,' Freedman said. Freedman also explained that Lively's argument, based on Section 47.1 of the California Civil Code, would only be valid if the court finds that she 'acted alone and without malice.'