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Blake Lively Settles With Justin Baldoni and Pursues California Fees Claim

A judge recently denied extra filings in her push for treble and punitive damages under California’s new anti‑retaliation law which could influence future harassment disputes.

Overview

  • Lively and Justin Baldoni reached a confidential settlement that ended the planned federal trial and included waivers of appeals, with reports saying the settlement was announced more than two weeks ago.
  • She has preserved a separate California claim invoking Civil Code Section 47.1 that seeks recovery of attorneys’ fees and enhanced damages for what her lawyers call a retaliatory defamation countersuit.
  • A judge in the California proceeding has denied Lively’s request to file additional briefs and information, leaving the narrower state dispute active but procedurally limited.
  • Lively has resumed high‑profile public appearances in New York at recent Fendi and Gucci events, and some outlets report unverified sums paid to legal teams and several projects reportedly in the works.
  • A court ruling on fees and treble or punitive damages under Section 47.1 could set a practical precedent on whether defamation countersuits can be used to silence harassment complaints and affect how future claimants respond.