Story perspectives

Judge rules Blake Lively gets attorney fees, settlement finalizes

6/16/2026

Summary

Lively Secures Settlement

Judge Lewis Liman ruled Blake Lively entitled to attorney-fees under California Section 47.1, prompting settlement.
Bryan Freedman released the settlement to give finality.
The agreement bars future claims, includes a statement, and leaves Lively’s fee amount to the court.
After Baldoni’s $400 million suit was dismissed and Lively’s harassment claims were narrowed in April 2026, the actors issued a May 2026 statement that the settlement brings closure.

Summary

Gottlieb Preserves Claim

Michael Gottlieb, Lively’s lead lawyer, said the claim was preserved after the settlement on an industry podcast.
Gottlieb said public sentiment turned negative after Wayfarer’s defamation lawsuit and press tour.
Freedman, who appeared on The Megyn Kelly Show and Entertainment Tonight, estimated $30 million to $60 million in litigation costs, noting the California statute’s narrow exception excludes compensatory and punitive damages and permits a new suit for alleged retaliatory defamation.

Summary

Lively Wins Privilege

The judge ruled Blake Lively’s New York Times disclosure of her California Civil Rights Department complaint is protected by the fair-report privilege.
He called the issue of treble and punitive damages under the civil-rights law a first-impression matter.
Attorney Liman noted Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d) covers only costs and does not allow treble or punitive damages.
Citing Section 47.1, the judge affirmed Lively’s right to attorney-fees but barred any additional damages.

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Lively Secures Settlement

Judge Lewis Liman ruled Blake Lively entitled to attorney-fees under California Section 47.1, prompting settlement.
Bryan Freedman released the settlement to give finality.
The agreement bars future claims, includes a statement, and leaves Lively’s fee amount to the court.
After Baldoni’s $400 million suit was dismissed and Lively’s harassment claims were narrowed in April 2026, the actors issued a May 2026 statement that the settlement brings closure.

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