Wayfarer Studios, founded by actor Justin Baldoni, has been ordered by a New York court to pay over $171,000 in damages to The New York Times. This ruling stems from a defamation lawsuit that Wayfarer Studios lost, which was related to the newspaper’s reporting on the production of the film It Ends with Us.
Court Ruling Details Defamation Lawsuit Outcome
New York Supreme Court Justice Gerald Lebovits issued a decision on Monday in favor of The New York Times, awarding the newspaper $171,616.20. The judgment followed a summary judgment that cited anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statutes. Wayfarer Studios had initiated a lawsuit against The New York Times concerning a December 2024 article titled “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.” This article detailed accusations made by the film’s star, Blake Lively, against Baldoni and others involved in the production, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.
A spokesperson for The New York Times expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating, “The anti-SLAPP statute is designed to combat exactly these kinds of meritless suits brought to silence the press.”
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal battle began in January 2025 when Wayfarer Studios filed a suit against The New York Times, claiming the newspaper’s reporting defamed Baldoni and the production company. However, in June 2025, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed the lawsuit. Following this dismissal, The New York Times filed its own suit in New York Supreme Court to recover legal expenses incurred during the defense, invoking anti-SLAPP law.
Justice Lebovits’ ruling indicated that the allegations put forth by Wayfarer Studios lacked a “substantial basis in fact and law,” particularly as they pertained to “matters of public interest.” The judge noted that the original federal action originated from “publicly posted media coverage… about a legal proceeding brought by a prominent actress.” Furthermore, the court agreed with The New York Times that it was entitled to summary judgment on liability concerning its anti-SLAPP claim.
Wayfarer Studios’ request to pause the case pending a potential appeal was also denied. The judge cited an appeal waiver, included in a settlement reached in May, as the reason for invalidating this request.
Damages Awarded and Original Claims
While The New York Times had initially sought $181,622.70 in legal fees, Justice Lebovits reduced the awarded sum. The reduction was due to certain portions of the requested fees being deemed ineligible for recovery following the federal case proceedings.
The initial legal actions trace back to late 2024 when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios concerning the production of the romantic drama It Ends with Us. Baldoni subsequently filed a countersuit that included Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their representative Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times. All parties involved have denied the claims made against them.
Baldoni and Lively reached a settlement in May, leading to the dismissal of the remaining lawsuit claims with prejudice before a trial could commence.
About the Film ‘It Ends with Us’
It Ends with Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, garnered significant box office success, earning $148 million domestically and $350 million globally. Despite its financial performance, the film’s reputation has been affected by the allegations that surfaced during its production.
The movie’s plot centers on Lily Bloom, played by Lively, who navigates a new life after overcoming a traumatic childhood, only to find herself in a relationship with a neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Baldoni. The storyline explores themes of toxic relationships, with Lily beginning to recognize disturbing parallels between her own relationship and that of her parents.
The film also featured performances from Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar, and Kevin McKidd.
Key Figures in the Production and Legal Case
Blake Lively is widely recognized for her role as Serena van der Woodsen on the television series Gossip Girl (2007-2012). Her filmography includes notable roles in The Town (2010), The Shallows (2016), A Simple Favor (2018), and The Rhythm Section (2020).
Justin Baldoni is known for his role as Rafael Solano in the television series Jane the Virgin (2014–2019). His directorial work includes the films Five Feet Apart (2019) and Clouds (2020). Baldoni also authored the 2021 book Man Enough, which addresses contemporary masculinity.
The legal proceedings highlight the complexities of defamation law and the protections afforded to the press under anti-SLAPP statutes, particularly when reporting on matters of public interest and legal proceedings involving public figures.
