Blake Lively Seeks $161 Million in Damages Over ‘It Ends With Us’ Backlash

Actress Blake Lively is pursuing significant financial damages from her ‘It Ends With Us’ co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, alleges a coordinated smear campaign against her. New legal documents detail the staggering financial impact on her career and businesses.

The claimed losses total $161 million. According to Reuters, the breakdown covers lost earnings and reputational harm. The case is scheduled for a trial in March 2025.

Breakdown of Multi-Million Dollar Loss Claims

Court filings from Lively’s legal team itemize the damages. They claim over $50 million in lost career opportunities. This includes potential acting and producing roles, plus lost endorsement deals.

Her business ventures also reportedly suffered. Her Betty Buzz beverage line and Betty Booze brand faced an estimated $22 million impact. Her beauty brand, Blake Brown, allegedly lost $49 million in value. The lawsuit ties these losses directly to the negative publicity.

Social Media Impact and Legal Strategy

A significant portion of the claim focuses on reputational damage. Lively’s lawyers cite approximately 65 million negative social media impressions. They value this reputational harm at $34 million.

The legal strategy appears to focus on proving intentional interference. The suit names Baldoni, producers, and their publicists. The goal is to demonstrate the campaign was designed to damage her professional standing. The outcome could set a precedent for how reputational damage is quantified in Hollywood legal disputes.

The $161 million lawsuit underscores the high financial stakes of celebrity reputation management. This Blake Lively lawsuit will be closely watched for its potential impact on future Hollywood contract and defamation cases.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Blake Lively lawsuit about?

The lawsuit alleges Justin Baldoni and others ran a smear campaign. Blake Lively claims this damaged her reputation and business interests around the film ‘It Ends With Us’. She is seeking $161 million in damages.

How was the $161 million figure calculated?

It includes over $50 million in lost acting and endorsement work. Another $71 million covers projected losses for her beverage and beauty brands. A final $34 million is for reputational damage from social media.

When will the lawsuit go to trial?

The trial is currently scheduled to begin in March of 2025. The case will proceed in a California court. Both sides are preparing their legal arguments.

Who else is named in the lawsuit?

Besides Justin Baldoni, the suit names producers Jamey Heath and Steve Sarowitz. It also includes publicists working for the production. All are accused of participating in the alleged campaign.

Has Justin Baldoni responded to the claims?

His legal team has previously denied the allegations. They have characterized the lawsuit as without merit. A formal legal response will be filed ahead of the trial.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, BBC