Blake Lively slams manufactured shame against women after Baldoni lawsuit dismissal

India Today

11-06-2025

Actor Blake Lively recently shared an emotional note after her legal win against actor-filmmaker Justin Baldoni's $400 million defamation lawsuit. Lively shared her views on the "manufactured shame" against women who face similar situations as her. She also pledged to fight for women's rights and support those who do not have enough resources.The 'It Ends With Us' actor shared a heartfelt gratitude note towards those who backed her in difficult times and also emphasised the pain one goes through in dealing with such circumstances. She wrote, "Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organisations united in defending women's rights to speak up for their safety."advertisement"Like so many others, I've felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. While the suit against me was defeated, so many don't have the resources to fight back," she added.
Lively expressed her commitment towards voicing support for women's safety, integrity and dignity and said, "I'm more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every woman's right to have a voice in protecting themselves, including their safety, their integrity, their dignity and their story. There are protections out there. Check out some of the incredible organisations below for resources and information."She concluded, "With love and gratitude for the many who stood by me, many of you I know. Many of you I don't. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you." Her post also linked name of legal and advocacy groups such as the California Employment Lawyers Association, California Women's Law Center, CHILD USA, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, and Equal Rights Advocates.
Blake Lively shared a note on manufactired shame against women in her Instagram story. (Credit: Instagram/blakelively)
advertisementLively issued the statement on Instagram after her legal victory over Baldoni on Monday. A federal judge dismissed both his $650 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and a related countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie SloaneThe 'It Ends With Us' actor had accused the group of extortion and defamation connected to their public comments and media coverage regarding the 2024 film. Judge Lewis J Liman, in his written opinion, found that Baldoni's team had failed to meet the legal standard for defamation. It indicated the defendants acting with 'actual malice' or knowingly spreading falsehoods."The Wayfarer Parties have not alleged that Lively is responsible for any statements other than the statements in her CRD complaint, which are privileged," Judge Liman was quoted in the court filing, obtained by PEOPLE."The Wayfarer Parties have alleged that Reynolds and [publicist Leslie] Sloane made additional statements accusing Baldoni of sexual misconduct and that the Times made additional statements accusing the Wayfarer Parties of engaging in a smear campaign," the judge added.Attorneys for Lively, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, praised the ruling. The called it a "total victory and a complete vindication" not only for Lively, but also for Reynolds, Sloane, and The New York Times.advertisementThe lawsuit stemmed from internal disputes during the production and marketing of 'It Ends With Us'. The movie, directed by Baldoni, also featured Lively opposite him. It grossed over $351 million globally despite drawing mixed critical reviews.In January 2025, Baldoni filed a $400 million suit alleging Lively and Reynolds orchestrated a campaign to malign his reputation by accusing him of sexual harassment. He later expanded the suit to $650 million by also adding The New York Times and others to his complaint.Lively was last seen in the black comedy 'Another Simple Favour'.Must Watch