Story perspectives

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni Settle Wayfarer Lawsuit

5/8/2026

Summary

Lively Settles Dispute

Actress Blake Lively and actor Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer parties settled their dispute on May 4, 2026, and filed a Notice of Settlement in the Southern District of New York on May 7, 2026.
The agreement lets Blake Lively seek attorney’s fees and damages under California Civil Code §47.1, with both sides waiving appeal.
After Blake Lively’s $400 million defamation countersuit was dismissed in June 2025, she attended the Met Gala that day in an archival Atelier Versace gown.

Summary

Lively Seeks Fees

Lively's fee claim, based on a September 2025 issue, seeks treble and punitive damages under California Civil Code §47.1.
Harco National Insurance sued to have court rule it owes no duty to pay legal fees.
The settlement documents waive appeal rights, disclose no payment amount, and reports say no money exchanged.
The case now hinges on whether Baldoni’s dismissed countersuit is retaliatory defamation, requiring Lively to prove a harassment-based defamation win.

History

Historical Context

California adopted its anti-SLAPP statute, Code of Civil Procedure §425.16, in 1992, giving defendants a quick motion to strike meritless speech-related suits. By 2023, 33 states, the District of Columbia and Guam had enacted similar protections, reflecting a nationwide shift toward shielding public discourse. High-profile cases such as the Varian Medical anti-SLAPP appeal illustrate the law’s growing impact on entertainment litigation.

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Lively Settles Dispute

Actress Blake Lively and actor Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer parties settled their dispute on May 4, 2026, and filed a Notice of Settlement in the Southern District of New York on May 7, 2026.
The agreement lets Blake Lively seek attorney’s fees and damages under California Civil Code §47.1, with both sides waiving appeal.
After Blake Lively’s $400 million defamation countersuit was dismissed in June 2025, she attended the Met Gala that day in an archival Atelier Versace gown.

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