Blake Lively has officially filed a motion to dismiss the $400 million lawsuit brought against her by Justin Baldoni, citing a new California law aimed at protecting individuals from retaliatory lawsuits. The law, which took effect in January 2024, is designed to shield those who report allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct from facing legal repercussions.

Lively’s legal team argues that Baldoni’s lawsuit is a misuse of the legal system, labeling it as a “profound abuse of the legal process” with no standing in federal court. If the motion is successful, Baldoni could be liable for covering Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds’ legal fees. The filing asserts that California law explicitly prohibits suing victims who choose to speak out against harassment.

However, legal experts have raised doubts about the effectiveness of Lively’s motion. They argue that the alleged incidents of harassment occurred primarily in New York and New Jersey, where filming took place, making California law potentially inapplicable. Critics suggest that Lively may face challenges in proving her claims without following proper reporting channels during production.

A spokesperson for Lively emphasized the importance of legal protections for victims of workplace harassment, acknowledging the painful realities of her situation. The ongoing legal battle has drawn significant public attention, with discussions surrounding the implications of the lawsuit for both parties involved. As the case unfolds, the intersection of Hollywood dynamics and legal accountability continues to provoke debate among observers and fans alike.