Legal experts dismiss Justin Baldoni’s $400M lawsuit against Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds as a “publicity stunt”

Justin Baldoni’s staggering $400 million lawsuit against Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds has sparked widespread debate, with legal analysts suggesting the case is more about making headlines than securing a financial windfall. The lawsuit, which demands nearly four times the couple’s combined net worth, is being viewed with skepticism by industry experts.
Raiford Dalton Palmer, a family law attorney unaffiliated with the case, believes the astronomical figure is arbitrary. Speaking to Page Six, he remarked, “That number seems completely random. There’s no legal basis for such an amount in this kind of case.” He explained that lawyers often file for inflated damages as a scare tactic or to draw media attention.
Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, echoed similar doubts. “The exaggerated dollar amount is a strategy it fuels headlines and puts pressure on the defendants,” he explained. “This case is more about Baldoni reclaiming his reputation than actually collecting hundreds of millions from Lively and Reynolds.”
Baldoni, who has faced professional fallout—including being dropped by WME and losing a women’s solidarity award is seemingly fighting to rebuild his image amid the controversy.
Entertainment attorney Camron Dowlatshahi described the lawsuit as “a PR move more than a legitimate legal pursuit.” He stressed that the only way Baldoni could justify the demand is if he could prove he was on track to earning half a billion dollars before the alleged defamation and extortion claims derailed his career.
Financially, the lawsuit’s demands far exceed what Lively and Reynolds could realistically pay. According to Forbes, Lively’s net worth is estimated at $30 million, while Reynolds’ stands at approximately $71.5 million bringing their combined assets to about $101.5 million. That’s a fraction of the damages Baldoni is seeking.
Nicole Page, a partner at 'Reavis Page Jump LLP,' noted that exaggerated damage claims are common in defamation lawsuits. “Plaintiffs often cite astronomical figures, but proving those damages in court is an entirely different matter. These cases frequently involve subjective and speculative financial losses.”
As Baldoni’s lawsuit grabs headlines, Lively has launched her own legal action against him. Her lawsuit, filed after a complaint to the California Civil Rights Department in December 2024, alleges multiple offenses, including sexual harassment, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress. 'The Gossip Girl' actress claims Baldoni made inappropriate sexual remarks on set, commented on his struggles with porn addiction, intruded on her while she was breastfeeding, and engaged in body-shaming behavior. Justin and his representatives have only refuted the claims and are looking forward to leave no stone unturned in proving the director-actor's innocence. Meanwhile, the case and the claims are taking twists and turns with every new day and new update.
With the legal battle intensifying, fans and industry insiders are eager to see how the case unfolds. The high-profile trial is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026, promising to keep Hollywood on edge as both sides present their arguments. While Baldoni’s lawsuit continues to dominate conversations, legal experts remain unconvinced that he will walk away with anything close to the $400 million he is demanding.