Blake Lively Demands Around Eight Million Dollars from Justin Baldoni for Reimbursement of Legal Fees

Baldoni, who also directed the film and appeared in the series "Jane the Virgin," had responded with his own lawsuit against, among others, Lively and Reynolds for defamation. However, in early April, several of Lively's claims, including allegations of sexual harassment, were dismissed by the court. Only three of the original thirteen counts, including breach of contract, were ultimately to be the subject of a trial.

Background of the Dispute

However, before a main trial could take place, the parties reached an out-of-court settlement in May. This concluded the actual legal dispute – what remained open was the question of cost reimbursement. The judge granted Lively the right to seek reimbursement of attorney fees, which is now happening in the form of the demand for around eight million dollars.

According to media reports, Baldoni's team must respond to the demand by mid-July. Ultimately, a judge is to decide on the amount of the sum, according to the court documents. The exact allocation between Baldoni personally and the production company Wayfarer Studios remains open so far.

In the lawsuit against Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath, Lively had accused both of seeking to destroy her reputation. This allegation was part of the claims that the court did not pursue further in April. The newly filed demand for cost reimbursement is a separate legal claim that exists independently of the dismissed points of the lawsuit.

Status of the Proceedings

Baldoni's defamation lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds was thrown out by a judge last November. With that, the director's offensive countersuit had already failed before the overall settlement was reached in May. Lively's current demand thereby shifts the legal initiative back toward the actress.

Experts see the demand as a typical step following an out-of-court settlement in the US. Who can successfully demand reimbursement of attorney fees in a case often depends on which points were compared and which claims the court had previously allowed. Since only a few counts of the lawsuit remained, the final amount could end up significantly below the eight million dollars demanded.

What Happens Next?

A date for the judge's decision has not yet been set. Until then, both sides can submit further evidence to prove or contest the actual amount of attorney and litigation costs incurred.

Overall, the case shows how complex the legal aftermath of a prominent Hollywood dispute can be. Even after the May settlement, the proceedings remain a matter for the New York courts for the time being – albeit only in the form of a specific monetary demand.