Judge Orders Justin Baldoni to Cover Blake Lively's Legal Fees A New York federal judge has ruled that Justin Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios must pay Blake Lively’s attorneys’ fees following their settlement in her lawsuit against the actor and studio. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman denied Lively’s claim for punitive damages but awarded her attorneys’ fees under California Civil Code Section 47.1, which grants prevailing defendants in defamation cases the right to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for successfully defending themselves. The ruling came after the parties reached a settlement in early May, ending their nearly year-and-a-half-long legal battle. Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Michael Gottlieb, stated that the decision affirmed her good faith in pursuing the case and highlighted the importance of laws like Section 47.1 in enabling survivors to hold individuals accountable for online attacks and retaliatory lawsuits. They emphasized that the court’s recognition of Lively as the prevailing defendant underscored the validity of her claims. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, countered by noting that Lively was awarded limited fees for a single claim in a case that lasted only a few months. He argued that the court’s findings, which included the absence of sexual harassment, retaliation, or a smear campaign, should be respected. Freedman reiterated that the parties had consistently maintained their positions throughout the legal process. The settlement, filed on May 7 in the Southern District of New York, allowed Lively to retain her right to seek additional damages and attorney’s fees, though the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.#blake_lively #justin_baldoni #wayfarer_studios #esra_hudson #michael_gottlieb
