Blake Lively’s legal battle over the controversy surrounding ‘It Ends With Us‘ has taken another dramatic turn, with new court documents shedding light on just how much she believes the alleged smear campaign cost her. And, it’s a staggering figure!
The actress’s claims go beyond reputation and touch every corner of her career, even her business ventures. However, the full scale of the damages only becomes clear as the filings get done.
Blake Lively Vs. Justin Baldoni Controversy Gets Worse
Blake Lively’s troubles with Justin Baldoni reportedly began during the filming of ‘It Ends With Us’, directed by Justin Baldoni. In her lawsuit filed last New Year’s Eve, she accused Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, Wayfarer Studios head Steve Sarowitz, and their publicists of subjecting her to “disturbing” sexual harassment on set. When she spoke up, she claims they retaliated with a “sophisticated and well-financed” smear campaign meant to destroy her reputation before she could go public.
Related: Why ‘It Ends With Us’ Failed As A Movie Adaptation
As the film was released in 2024, the off-screen lawsuit drama grew worse. Lively’s lawyers say the campaign was designed to silence her and make her appear untrustworthy. At the time, her legal team only mentioned damages above $75,000, offering no details on the real financial impact. That changed with new court filings that finally reveal how deeply she believes the situation hurt her career and businesses.
The Smear Campaign Losses Claim Might Go Up To $400 Million
According to the July 25 filing, Blake Lively is seeking more than $161 million in damages linked to the alleged retaliation campaign. Her attorneys say she lost $56.2 million in income from acting, producing, speaking engagements, and other appearances. That total includes $18.3 million in lost wages between August 2024 and the trial’s expected start in March, along with $37.9 million in future income.
Furthermore, her business ventures reportedly took a heavy hit. Lively’s beauty brand, Blake Brown, allegedly lost $49 million, while her beverage company, Betty B Holdings, missed around $22 million. Additionally, her lawyers claim that 65 million online views of defamatory statements resulted in $34 million in reputational harm. The filing also states that she plans to seek punitive damages worth at least three times her actual losses. It will potentially increase her total claim to well beyond $400 million once the case reaches trial.
In case you missed it: 25 Hollywood Feuds That Got Ugly Off-Screen
Meanwhile, Justin Baldoni and his team have mounted their own counteroffensive. Earlier this year, Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. That case, however, was provisionally dismissed in June. In fact, it was officially closed last week after Baldoni chose not to amend his complaint.
Explaining the decision, Bryan Freedman said his clients chose not to refile so they could preserve their right to appeal. He added that they are now concentrating on defending against Lively’s claims and remain “fully committed to pursuing the truth through every legal and factual avenue available.”
As both sides prepare for an intense courtroom battle, we can only sit back and anticipate what comes next. The trial is expected to begin in March. Now, all eyes are on what could become one of the most high-profile Hollywood cases in recent years.
