Blake Lively addressed one of the most contentious controversies surrounding her recent career setback. The actress claimed she lost $161 million due to an alleged smear campaign tied to the release of It Ends With Us.
Blake Lively claims losing $161 million due to smear campaign related to It Ends With Us
Blake Lively claimed she suffered $161 million in damages due to an alleged smear campaign surrounding the release of It Ends With Us.
According to Variety, her attorneys stated she lost $56.2 million in past and future income from acting, producing, public speaking, and endorsements. They also cited a $49 million loss for her haircare brand, Blake Brown. In addition, her beverage companies, Betty Buzz and Betty Booze, reportedly lost $22 million.
Lively’s legal team said she suffered $34 million in reputational harm after 65 million negative social media impressions. She filed the lawsuit on December 31, 2024, accusing co-star and director Justin Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, studio head Steve Sarowitz, and their publicists of retaliation following her sexual harassment complaints on set.
The disclosure, submitted to the defense in July and made public on November 6, stated that her damages estimate is preliminary and subject to expert review at trial next March. Her lawyers plan to seek triple that amount in punitive damages. Attorney Gregory Doll said, “These are wish list numbers,” adding that such figures often aim to push settlement talks.
Baldoni’s countersuit sought $400 million in damages over alleged defamation. It was dismissed in June when a judge ruled he could not sue over claims raised in a legal filing. In October, Judge Lewis Liman entered a final judgment confirming that Baldoni’s team declined to amend their complaint.
Lively’s disclosure also listed potential witnesses, including Taylor Swift, Emily Blunt, Scooter Braun, Hugh Jackman, and Gigi Hadid. However, few are expected to testify.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.net.
