I. Introduction: A Legal Scandal Shakes Hollywood

The lawsuit between A-list actress Blake Lively and actor/director Justin Baldoni, stemming from allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment on the set of It Ends With Us, has rapidly escalated into one of Hollywood’s most expensive and closely watched legal conflicts. In November 2025, the case entered a critical stage as Baldoni filed a Motion for Summary Judgment, seeking to dismiss Lively’s entire lawsuit before it reaches trial. This maneuver is not just a legal defense but a direct, aggressive challenge to the merits of Lively’s accusations. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of Blake Lively’s claims, her record-setting demand for $161 million in damages, and the sharp legal counter-arguments presented by Baldoni, particularly the new evidence concerning an “unscripted kiss” designed to illuminate the complex nature of the ongoing dispute.

II. Core Content 1: Blake Lively’s Record-Breaking $161 Million Claim

The initial allegations: Lively’s lawsuit initially focused on claims that Baldoni created an unprofessional environment and engaged in alleged harassment. When she spoke out, Lively alleges she faced a retaliatory and defamatory campaign behind the scenes. The analysis of financial damages: Lively’s demand for $161 million in total damages underscores the perceived severity of the alleged harm to her career and personal brand. This staggering figure is broken down into three primary areas in the court filings: Lost Earnings: This covers projected income losses from acting projects, potential endorsement deals, and appearances that were allegedly canceled or foregone after she came forward with her complaints. Reputational Damages: This addresses the harm to her public image and brand value resulting from the alleged defamatory and retaliatory campaign waged against her. Business Damages: This portion relates to Lively’s independent businesses (such as her alcoholic beverage line Betty Booze and her Blake Brown haircare line), where Lively alleges Baldoni’s alleged actions negatively impacted their commercial value and business agreements. The legal significance of the amount: This demand is one of the largest personal damages claims ever sought in a Hollywood lawsuit, indicating that Lively and her legal team believe Baldoni’s alleged conduct inflicted comprehensive damage that extends far beyond the scope of a single film contract.

III. Core Content 2: Baldoni’s Counter-Attack and Motion to Dismiss

The aggressive legal move: Baldoni’s Motion for Summary Judgment is a critical legal strategy aimed at terminating the lawsuit before the scheduled jury trial in March 2026. If granted, it would invalidate all of Lively’s claims. The “lack of proof” argument: Baldoni and his legal team contend that Lively has failed to provide sufficient, verifiable evidence to substantiate her claims of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. He asserts that “no reasonable jury” could find him liable based on the evidence presented by Lively. New evidence of the “unscripted kiss”: This is the most explosive detail in the motion. Baldoni has submitted new evidence, including footage from an outtake reel, alleging that Blake Lively was the one who initiated an unscripted kiss with him. Baldoni argues that this voluntary, proactive behavior fundamentally contradicts her later allegations that he engaged in unwanted physical intimacy or created a harassing environment. Dispute over employment status: Baldoni’s motion also argues that Blake Lively was hired as an “independent contractor” and not a formal employee of the production company. This argument is an attempt to dismiss certain contractual claims and hostile work environment allegations, which often rely on traditional employee status.

IV. Core Content 3: Personal Drama and Potential Witnesses

The private confrontation: The court filings also shed light on a highly tense, private confrontation at the apartment of Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, in January 2024. Baldoni describes the meeting as a “traumatic” experience and claims he felt “ambushed” by Lively and potentially Reynolds. This detail indicates the conflict has spilled over from the film set into the parties’ personal lives. Ryan Reynolds’ potential involvement: While not a central figure in the lawsuit, the involvement of Ryan Reynolds, a major star and Lively’s spouse, complicates the public narrative. His potential role as a witness for Lively is a significant factor in the proceedings. Other high-profile potential witnesses: The legal documents list several high-profile entertainment figures as potential witnesses, including famous names such as Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman. The inclusion of these major stars highlights the potentially far-reaching nature of the case within the industry.

V. Conclusion: Impact and Future Verdict

The case’s complexity: The Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni lawsuit exemplifies the complexity of misconduct disputes in the post-#MeToo era, where the boundaries of consent, professional behavior, and workplace environment are often fiercely contested. The high stakes: Whether the court grants or denies Baldoni’s motion, the lawsuit has already caused significant reputational damage to both parties and exposed the massive financial risks involved (with the $161 million demand). The next step: The current focus is on the court’s ruling regarding Baldoni’s motion for dismissal. If the motion is denied, the case will proceed to a jury trial in March 2026. The eventual verdict is poised to set an important precedent for handling harassment claims and contract disputes within the film industry.