Justin Baldoni’s production company loses bid against 'New York Times'

Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer ordered to pay New York Times $171K after a court ruled in favour of the newspaper in a dispute stemming from the studio's unsuccessful defamation lawsuit over coverage of Blake Lively's allegations.

According to court documents reviewed by Entertainment Weekly, a New York Supreme Court judge ordered Wayfarer Studios to pay $171,616.20 in damages to The New York Times.

Court awards damages after failed defamation case

Justice Gerald Lebovits granted summary judgment in favour of The New York Times, concluding that the publication was entitled to recover damages following Wayfarer's failed lawsuit.

The production company had sued the newspaper in December 2024, seeking $250 million in damages over its investigation titled We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.

The report detailed Blake Lively's allegations that she experienced sexual harassment and workplace retaliation during the production of It Ends With Us.

Wayfarer claimed the newspaper relied on altered and selectively presented communications while repeating Lively's version of events and ignoring evidence it said contradicted her claims.

Earlier lawsuit was dismissed

A judge dismissed Wayfarer's defamation lawsuit in June 2025, prompting The New York Times to pursue reimbursement for the legal costs of defending the case.

The newspaper later filed a separate complaint seeking damages under New York's anti-SLAPP law, arguing the lawsuit lacked factual and legal merit.

Following Monday's ruling, Wayfarer Studios was ordered to pay more than $171,000.

Entertainment Weekly reported that it contacted Wayfarer Studios for comment.

Legal battle with Blake Lively ended in settlement

The legal dispute originated from the fallout surrounding It Ends With Us, directed by and starring Baldoni alongside Blake Lively.

Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation and orchestrating a smear campaign during the film's promotional tour. Baldoni denied the allegations.

While some of Lively's claims were dismissed, both parties reached a settlement before trial in May 2026.

Earlier this month, Baldoni and his wife, Emily Baldoni, addressed the lengthy legal saga publicly for the first time, saying they had chosen to let the legal process run its course while focusing on their family, faith and healing.