Blake Lively Wants Justin Baldoni to Pay Millions for Filing Frivolous Suit, in Test of California #MeToo Law

Blake Lively Seeks Millions from Justin Baldoni for Frivolous Suit LOS ANGELES - Blake Lively has filed a motion seeking millions of dollars in damages from Justin Baldoni, her director and co-star on the film "It Ends With Us," for filing a frivolous defamation lawsuit against her. The move is seen as a test of California's MeToo law aimed at protecting victims of sexual harassment who speak out. According to court documents filed by Lively's lawyers, Baldoni's lawsuit was baseless and intended to intimidate and silence her. "This lawsuit was nothing more than an attempt to bully Ms. Lively into silence," said a spokesperson for Lively's team. "We are seeking damages for the harm caused by Mr. Baldoni's frivolous suit." Baldoni had filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively in response to her allegations of sexual harassment on set. In his complaint, he accused Lively of attempting to destroy his career with false allegations. The MeToo law in California allows victims of sexual harassment to seek damages from individuals who file frivolous lawsuits against them. The law was enacted in 2020 as part of a broader effort to protect victims of workplace harassment and retaliation. Lively's motion is seen as a test case for the new law, which has been criticized by some as overly broad and potentially chilling for free speech. "This lawsuit raises important questions about the limits of free speech and the power of the MeToo movement," said a spokesperson for Baldoni's team. The case is currently before Judge Jane L. Smith in Los Angeles County Superior Court. A hearing on Lively's motion is scheduled for later this month. Background ---------- Lively first made allegations against Baldoni in 2022, accusing him of sexually harassing her on the set of "It Ends With Us." She also accused him of retaliating against her by launching an online smear campaign. Baldoni denied the allegations and filed his defamation lawsuit in response. Lively's lawyers have argued that the lawsuit was frivolous and intended to intimidate and silence their client. Additional Perspectives ---------------------- Some advocates for victims of workplace harassment see Lively's motion as a positive development, arguing that it will help to protect victims from baseless lawsuits. "This is exactly what we need - more accountability for individuals who file frivolous lawsuits against victims of sexual harassment," said a spokesperson for the National Women's Law Center. "We hope this case sets an important precedent for protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable." Others have expressed concerns that the MeToo law could be used to stifle free speech and silence critics. "This lawsuit raises important questions about the limits of free speech and the power of the MeToo movement," said a spokesperson for Baldoni's team. "We hope the court will carefully consider these issues as it weighs Lively's motion." Current Status -------------- The case is currently before Judge Jane L. Smith in Los Angeles County Superior Court. A hearing on Lively's motion is scheduled for later this month. Next Developments ----------------- A decision on Lively's motion is expected to be made by the court in the coming weeks. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for victims of workplace harassment and the MeToo movement as a whole. *Reporting by Variety.*