Legal Experts Weigh in on Lively vs. Baldoni Case
Attorney Dina Doll asserts that Blake Lively possesses a “stronger case”compared to Justin Baldoni in their ongoing legal dispute, which has garnered attention since its inception in December. Their mutual lawsuits are central to the recently released documentary, In Dispute: Lively vs. Baldoni, which debuted on Max on March 31 and features expert commentary, including insights from Doll.
Assessing the Strength of the Cases
Dina Doll expressed her professional viewpoint, stating that Lively’s allegations of s*xual harassment remain unchallenged by Baldoni’s countersuit. She pointed out that Baldoni’s claims about fame and control fail to negate Lively’s serious accusations. In her detailed analysis, Doll remarked:
“My professional opinion, Blake Lively has the stronger case. Because all of Justin Baldoni’s arguments about fame and control don’t really refute her claim of s*xual harassment. Those allegations — the improvising of kissing, the describing his genitalia, talking about pornography — regardless of where your workplace is, those seem to be pretty strong basis for a claim of s*xual harassment.”
Counterclaims and Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct
In addition to Lively’s original lawsuit, she accused Baldoni of inappropriate behavior on the set of It Ends With Us, asserting that he engaged in conduct that could harm her professional reputation. Doll further analyzed Baldoni’s countersuit against Lively and her spouse, Ryan Reynolds, stating:
“His argument isn’t really that those items didn’t happen; he just is saying that there’s a different perspective, that they were really more consensual. Both sides absolutely wanna get their perspective out.”
The allegations have provoked a vigorous legal confrontation. Baldoni and his legal team, led by Bryan Freedman, have categorically denied Lively’s accusations and subsequently filed lawsuits against both her and notable media outlets, seeking damages for defamation and extortion.
Recent Developments: Motion to Dismiss Filed
On March 20, 2025, Blake Lively took decisive legal action by filing a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against her, her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, Leslie Sloane. This motion followed Reynolds’ similar request made just days prior.
Lively’s legal representatives, Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, described Baldoni’s lawsuit as “vengeful and rambling,”labeling it an egregious abuse of the legal system. They emphasized that the suit serves more as a public relations strategy aimed at discrediting Lively following her allegations of s*xual harassment.
Citing New Legislation
Importantly, Lively’s legal team referenced Assembly Bill 933, which was enacted by California Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2023, aimed at safeguarding alleged survivors of sexual abuse. This regulations, according to Lively’s motion, justifies the dismissal of Baldoni’s lawsuit as it prohibits defamation claims against survivors who have brought forth legal actions against their alleged attackers without malicious intent.
“The Court should dismiss all claims against Ms. Lively with prejudice, deny leave to amend, and award Ms. Lively all relief sought. The law prohibits weaponizing defamation lawsuits, like this one, to retaliate against individuals who have filed legal claims or have publicly spoken out about s*xual harassment and retaliation,”Lively’s motion to dismiss stated.
Furthermore, the legislation mandates that defendants cover the legal costs of plaintiffs if their lawsuits are dismissed. Lively’s attorneys are pressing for Baldoni to bear the costs arising from her defense.
“The Court should dismiss the FAC and—as required by California law—hold further proceedings to calculate an appropriate award of Ms. Lively’s attorneys’ fees, treble damages for the harm this meritless lawsuit has inflicted on her, and punitive damages against each of the Wayfarer Parties,”the motion added.
Future Court Dates and Reactions
The legal drama continues as both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are due to engage in court proceedings on March 9, 2026. As the case unfolds, further insights and developments are eagerly anticipated.
In the meantime, Baldoni’s chief attorney, Bryan Freedman, has openly criticized Lively’s motion to dismiss, asserting their commitment to holding her accountable. In a statement to People, Freedman stated:
“Ms. Lively’s recent motion to dismiss herself from the self-concocted disaster she initiated is one of the most abhorrent examples of abusing our legal system. Stringent rules are put into place to protect the innocent and allow individuals to rightfully defend themselves. Laws are not meant to be twisted and curated by privileged elites to fit their own personal agenda.”
The legal community and the public will be closely observing the case’s progression as both parties prepare for their upcoming court date.