Blake Lively claims victory over Justin Baldoni after judge dismisses lawsuit

On Instagram, Lively thanked organisations and others who stood by her. Photo / Getty Images

Blake Lively feels Justin Baldoni has been “defeated” after his lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge.

The 37-year-old actress has taken to social media after Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed the actor’s countersuit on Monday in New York.

Lively wrote on Instagram: “Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organisations united in defending women’s rights to speak up for their safety. 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.

“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.

“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.

“- B (sic)”

Lively’s post features links to organisations such as the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, New York Cyber Abuse Task Force, Women’s Equal Justice, and Women’s Justice NOW.

Attorneys described Baldoni’s countersuit as a sham. Photo / Getty Images

Meanwhile, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, Blake’s attorneys, have already hailed the judge’s ruling as a “complete vindication” for the actress.

They said in a statement obtained by People: “Today’s opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane and the New York Times.”

The attorneys described Baldoni’s countersuit - which was aimed at Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, Leslie Sloane, the couple’s publicist, and the New York Times newspaper - as a “sham”.

They continued: “As we have said from day one, this ‘US$400 million’ ($661m) lawsuit was a sham, and the court saw right through it.

“We look forward to the next round, which is seeking attorneys’ fees, treble damages and punitive damages against Baldoni, [Steve] Sarowitz, [Melissa] Nathan and the other Wayfarer Parties who perpetrated this abusive litigation.”