Blake Lively Celebrates Early Legal Victory, But Critics Warn It’s Too Soon to Cheer

Blake Lively was all smiles Monday night as she arrived at the Tribeca Festival’s Artist Dinner, celebrating what appeared to be a significant legal win. But while the actress took to Instagram with gratitude and relief, legal experts—and critics—are urging caution.

Lively recently scored a procedural victory in court against co-star and producer Justin Baldoni, who had sued her for defamation following her formal complaint to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). A judge ruled that Baldoni could not sue Lively over statements made in that official complaint, citing legal privilege.

But the decision, while a legal reprieve, is far from an exoneration.

“She Didn’t Win the Case”

Critics argue that Lively is misrepresenting the scope of the ruling. “She’s acting like she won the case outright,” said one commentator. “She didn’t. The judge didn’t say she was telling the truth, and he didn’t say Baldoni’s allegations were false. He only ruled that her complaint to the CRD is protected speech.”

In a statement posted to Instagram, Lively said she was “proud to stand alongside 19 organizations defending women’s rights” and lamented the emotional cost of “retaliatory lawsuits.” She added, “While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back.”

Critics found the comment disingenuous. “She has a billion-dollar safety net,” one said, noting the fortune she shares with husband Ryan Reynolds, whose recent business ventures have made headlines.

The Allegations at the Center

Lively has accused Baldoni and others involved with the film It Ends With Us of inappropriate conduct during filming. Among her claims: she was allegedly forced to perform a birthing scene wearing only a thin slit covering her lower body, while Baldoni invited a friend to play the doctor and allegedly lingered inappropriately during filming.

But the actor in question, who played the doctor, has publicly refuted the claim. He stated Lively was wearing biker shorts throughout the scene and called her characterization “an insulting lie.”

Backlash Brewing

Insiders report that Lively has been “crying with relief,” feeling vindicated by the recent court ruling. People Magazine noted that both Lively and her legal team are “happy.”

However, some argue that her joy is misplaced. “Her days of celebrating are numbered,” one legal analyst predicted, suggesting that as the case proceeds, Lively may face a far more grueling legal battle than she anticipates.

What Comes Next

As the legal dynamics shift, Baldoni is now the defendant in Lively’s civil complaint, and Lively is the defendant in his countersuit. Both are headed for trial.

“This is no longer a case of competing press statements,” a legal commentator explained. “It’s a simple ‘he said, she said’ dispute. No cross-claims. No press shield. It’s her versus him. And if it goes to trial, she could get ‘Amber Herded’—brutally cross-examined and discredited.”

Lively’s emotional distress claims were already tossed after she refused to turn over psychiatric records. When Baldoni’s team requested documentation to verify the extent of her alleged trauma, Lively abruptly dropped those claims. The court denied her request to dismiss them without prejudice, effectively barring her from reviving them later.

A PR Strategy Gone Wrong?

Some believe the entire case originated from a PR disaster tied to Lively’s controversial role in It Ends With Us, a film about domestic abuse. According to insiders, her tone during press tours was seen as flippant—promoting her haircare line and floral designs while discussing heavy subject matter.

“She looked completely out of touch with real victims,” one critic said. “And when the public started to turn on her, she needed a new narrative.”

Shortly after the negative buzz, Lively filed her CRD complaint, which mysteriously leaked to the New York Times—a move seen by some as a strategic effort to redirect public opinion.

“She thought she could Me Too Justin Baldoni into submission,” one source speculated, referencing Lively’s leaked texts in which she called herself “Khaleesi” from Game of Thrones, with Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds described as her “dragons” ready to destroy anyone who hurt her.

Reputation on the Line

Despite her legal team’s upbeat tone, many believe Lively’s image is suffering. “She looks like a craven liar to anyone outside her Hollywood echo chamber,” said one industry watcher. “Good luck getting cast in another blockbuster when you’re known for Me Too-ing your co-stars.”

“Hollywood is full of beautiful blondes. Directors won’t want the risk,” they added.

Whether the case ends in a settlement or a dramatic trial, one thing is clear: Lively’s battle isn’t over, and her public celebration may have come far too soon.