Blake Lively Seeks Over $8 Million in Attorneys' Fees After Court Orders Justin Baldoni to Pay Costs
Following a federal judge's order that Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios cover her legal expenses, actress Blake Lively has filed a claim for more than $8 million in attorneys' fees and costs.
Actress Blake Lively has submitted a request for $8,035,040.88 in attorneys' fees and costs after a federal judge ruled that Justin Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios must reimburse her for the litigation stemming from Baldoni's $400 million defamation and extortion countersuit. In a filing, Lively’s lawyers asked the court to award $7,495,526.87 in reasonable fees and $539,514.01 in costs.
The court’s decision was based on California’s Protecting Survivors from Weaponized Defamation Lawsuits Act, a statute enacted in 2023. Baldoni’s legal team has until July 13 to respond to the fee request or contest it.
"Thanks to this landmark decision, those considering using a lawsuit as a weapon of intimidation have been put on notice that there are consequences for doing so," Lively’s attorneys said, adding that the ruling establishes precedent and accountability.
Baldoni’s side has not commented on the filing. The judge previously dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit and a separate $250 million claim against a major newspaper, and allowed the plaintiff’s team to file an amended complaint, which was not pursued.