Legal counsel for Justin Baldoni has stated that the actor elected not to refile his $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively following its dismissal by a judge, a strategic decision made to preserve the option of appeal.
Following the dismissal of Baldoni’s case in June, his legal team indicated intentions to file an amended complaint, a course of action that was ultimately not pursued.
Last month, the presiding judge issued a “final judgment” on the matter, effectively concluding the case unless an appeal is initiated.
In a statement, Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, clarified: “To set the record straight, no deadlines were missed. Our clients made a deliberate choice not to amend their complaint in order to safeguard their appeal rights.”
Baldoni and Lively, co-stars in the 2024 film *It Ends with Us*, have been engaged in a contentious legal dispute since Lively filed suit against Baldoni last December, alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign.
Subsequently, Baldoni filed a counter-suit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and *The New York Times*, alleging civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
Lively’s original lawsuit against Baldoni remains active, with a trial scheduled to commence in March.
Mr. Freedman’s statement further emphasized: “Currently, our focus is on Ms. Lively’s claims. We are unwavering in our commitment to uncovering the truth through all available legal and factual avenues and eagerly anticipate our opportunity in court.”
He also asserted that the “truth surrounding this case continues to be misrepresented in the media” concerning the recent ruling and that “even a simple procedural update has been subject to complete mischaracterization.”