Perez Hilton concluded the episode by acknowledging the far-reaching implications of Judge Liman’s ruling
While the legal battle may continue in other forms, the current dismissal reaffirms the court’s unwillingness to entertain loosely defined claims and underscores the importance of protecting lawful workplace advocacy.
For now, Blake Lively has scored a significant legal victory, and Perez Hilton’s comprehensive analysis offers the public a nuanced understanding of why Judge Liman made the decisions he did.
The dismissal of Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit and Perez Hilton’s insightful breakdown have collectively marked a turning point in Hollywood’s legal and cultural environment.
With celebrity contracts now under the microscope, this case may be remembered as the moment the industry decided to prioritize clarity, fairness, and legal precision over vague expectations and risky assumptions.
As Hilton so aptly put it, “There’s gonna be some Blake Lively clauses,” and the industry may be all the better for it.
Whether you’re a rising actor, a seasoned director, or simply a fan of film, this case serves as a reminder that the show must go on—but with the right protections in place.
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Perez Hilton Weighs in on Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni Lawsuit Dismissal
The world of Hollywood was rocked once again when a judge dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, and celebrity podcaster Perez Hilton was quick to address the fallout.1
On June 10, 2025, Hilton took to his podcast to break down the legal and cultural implications of this dramatic turn of events.
With characteristic flair, Hilton suggested that the industry may soon be entering a new era of hyper-detailed contracts, born from the ashes of this highly publicized courtroom showdown.
The Background: A Tangle of Allegations and Lawsuits
To fully understand the gravity of this situation, one must first unpack the events leading up to the lawsuit. In 2024, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni co-starred in It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.
During production, Lively reportedly accused Baldoni of sexual harassment—an accusation that gained traction in the press and sparked a wave of public and industry scrutiny.
In retaliation, Baldoni filed a lawsuit not just against Lively, but also against her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and The New York Times.
The basis of his $400 million claim? Alleged defamation and extortion, rooted in the belief that Lively’s accusations damaged his reputation and derailed his career.
#JustinBaldoni says it’s NOT over! https://t.co/ijMoiGR9Lw
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) June 11, 2025
Judge Liman’s Decision: 132 Pages That Changed Everything
On June 9, 2025, Judge Lewis J. Liman issued a comprehensive 132-page decision that dismantled Baldoni’s claims piece by piece.
In a particularly striking passage, the judge wrote that the lawsuit lacked a solid legal foundation and described Baldoni’s allegations as “conclusory” and “insufficient.”
More pointedly, Judge Liman stated that even if Lively had refused to fulfill specific parts of her contract, that alone wouldn’t justify a claim of civil extortion.
This was a crucial distinction that not only cleared Lively’s name but also set a precedent that could affect future entertainment industry lawsuits.
Perez Hilton’s Take: ‘This Is Going to Reshape Hollywood’
Never one to shy away from controversy, Perez Hilton responded to the ruling the very next day on his podcast.2
Speaking to his audience with urgency and conviction, Hilton said, “Y’all, this ruling is gonna have huge ripples in show business—and perhaps needed.” He continued by stressing the importance of detailed, transparent contracts moving forward.
In his view, the industry has operated for too long with loosely defined expectations, especially when it comes to what actors are contractually obligated to do on set—and what they’re allowed to refuse.
‘Blake Lively Clauses’ and the Future of Hollywood Agreements
One of the most talked-about moments in Hilton’s commentary was his prediction that Hollywood contracts will now feature what he termed “Blake Lively clauses.“
These would be explicit provisions outlining exactly what an actor can and cannot be compelled to do under the terms of their agreement.
Hilton speculated that everything from physical interactions to off-set promotional responsibilities could be covered in far greater detail, eliminating gray areas that often lead to legal disputes.
“Contracts going forward are gonna need to be very explicit,” he said, warning that ambiguity will no longer be tolerated.
Perez Hilton: Legal Experts and Publicists Weigh In
Hilton’s remarks sparked discussion among entertainment lawyers, publicists, and talent agents.3
Many agree that the court’s decision and Hilton’s analysis reflect a growing trend in Hollywood: the desire for preventive legal measures.
High-profile attorney Sandra Kim told Variety, “This ruling underscores the need for robust contract language, particularly regarding consent, boundaries, and ethical standards on set.”
Meanwhile, publicist Marlon Ortega noted that reputational damage—whether or not it results in legal consequences—has become a major concern for all stakeholders.
Gender, Power, and Public Perception in the Wake of the Lawsuit
Beyond the legal nuances, the case also reopened conversations about gender dynamics and power structures in Hollywood.
Lively, a respected actress and public figure, received both public support and scrutiny following her accusations.
The swift backlash from Baldoni’s lawsuit highlighted how women in the industry still face obstacles when speaking out.
By dismissing the lawsuit, the court may have inadvertently strengthened the precedent for women to report misconduct without immediate fear of defamation countersuits. “It sends a message,” said activist and filmmaker Dana Greer. “False claims can be tested in court, but valid claims must be protected—not punished.”
How This Affects Justin Baldoni’s Future Projects
Justin Baldoni, once celebrated for his progressive stance on masculinity and social issues, now finds his image deeply affected by this legal saga.
With the court ruling against him and his lawsuit dismissed, many wonder whether he’ll be welcomed back to major productions—or if his Hollywood career has taken a lasting hit.
Even if Baldoni attempts to mount a comeback, it’s likely that his future roles will be shadowed by this very public dispute.
Agents and studios are known for weighing legal liabilities, and this ruling may make them think twice before casting him in family-friendly or socially conscious roles.
Blake Lively’s Response: Grace in Silence
- Interestingly, Blake Lively has remained largely silent on the court’s ruling. Her representatives declined to comment, and Lively herself has not issued a public statement.
- For someone whose personal and professional life has been under the microscope, this silence speaks volumes.
- By choosing not to escalate the drama, Lively may be opting to preserve her professional dignity and let the ruling stand as her vindication.
- Perez Hilton praised this choice on his podcast, noting, “Blake’s silence is strategic. She doesn’t need to say anything—the court said it all.”
- If Hilton’s predictions are correct, actors across the industry should brace for changes in how contracts are written and enforced.
- From now on, legal teams will likely insist on clauses that remove ambiguity, particularly regarding personal conduct, on-set interactions, and promotional obligations.
- Studios may also implement stronger HR policies and reporting mechanisms to deal with complaints before they become public or legal issues.
- “This isn’t just about Blake or Justin,” Hilton said. “This is about protecting everyone involved—actors, directors, and even the audience.”
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Perez Hilton: Claims of Economic Duress Rejected
Another significant aspect of the lawsuit involved Baldoni’s claim of economic duress — a legal term describing a situation where someone is pressured into a contract or action due to illegitimate threats.
Judge Liman, however, saw no valid basis for this claim. According to the ruling, Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, couldn’t show that they had experienced any financial injury severe enough to qualify as duress. Their only cited expense was hiring another producer, which didn’t directly benefit Blake Lively.
“This wasn’t a situation where Lively was holding them hostage for financial gain,” Perez Hilton noted. “The judge made that very clear.”
Hilton further quoted from the ruling:
“Even if her requests were unnecessary, they cannot form the basis for a claim of duress unless they were accompanied by wrongful threats — and no such threats were made.”
Advocating for Workplace Protections Is Not Extortion
Another angle the lawsuit attempted to exploit was Lively’s insistence on workplace protections before she returned to filming. Baldoni’s team tried to present her list of demands — which included enhanced sexual harassment safeguards — as a form of leverage that amounted to extortion.
Judge Liman, however, firmly rejected this argument. He emphasized that Lively had every right to request safe and respectful working conditions.
“If an employer accedes, it cannot later claim to be a victim of the employee’s wrongful threats,” the judge ruled.
Perez Hilton lauded this part of the decision, saying it echoed a broader shift in Hollywood’s cultural climate.
“This is a post-MeToo industry now, and the court isn’t going to vilify someone for demanding basic protections. Lively was well within her rights.”
Hilton also underscored the hypocrisy in Baldoni’s stance, given that Wayfarer Studios agreed to her conditions at the time and only later attempted to weaponize them in court.
Perez Hilton: Judge’s Decision Reflects a Broader Legal Logic
Beyond individual claims, Perez Hilton emphasized the overall coherence and fairness of Judge Liman’s 132-page ruling.
Hilton, who often critiques celebrity legal battles, admitted he was impressed by the ruling’s depth and clarity.
“I was almost speechless reading it,” he said. “And I’m glad I got to read it myself before the mainstream media cherry-picked headlines without context.”
According to Hilton, Liman’s methodical takedown of each allegation exposed the weakness of Baldoni’s case. The ruling not only dismissed the current claims but also offered a clear legal rationale as to why none of them held up under scrutiny.
Defamation Claims Against Lively Also Dismissed
In a crucial win for Blake Lively, Judge Liman also ruled that Baldoni could not sue her for defamation over statements she made in her lawsuit.
As Hilton explained, this decision was grounded in the legal principle that individuals are protected when making statements in the context of ongoing litigation.
“Basically, you can’t turn someone’s court filings against them as defamation — that’s protected speech in a legal context,” Hilton explained.
Still, the judge granted Baldoni’s legal team the option to amend their complaint and refile if they wished to pursue different or additional claims. But as it stands, their case against Lively has no legal traction.
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Lively’s Own Lawsuit Still Moving Forward
While Baldoni’s lawsuit has been dismissed, Hilton reminded listeners that Blake Lively’s counter-lawsuit remains active. In that suit, Lively accuses Baldoni of harassment and other serious allegations.
The case is set for trial in Manhattan federal court on March 9, 2026.
“This isn’t over,” Hilton warned. “Blake Lively is still seeking justice, and her claims haven’t been tossed out.”
With her lawsuit still in play and Baldoni’s tossed for now, the momentum in this legal battle appears to be squarely in Lively’s favor — a dynamic Hilton was quick to highlight.
A Broader Conversation About Power and Gender in Hollywood
Beyond the legal implications, Perez Hilton noted that the case sheds light on broader issues within the entertainment industry — particularly around power dynamics, gender expectations, and reputational damage.
“It’s hard not to see this as another example of a powerful woman being dragged into court for standing up for herself,” Hilton said. “Thankfully, the court saw through that.”
He urged listeners and fellow media outlets to be cautious in how they frame such stories, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between contractual obligations and personal autonomy.
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