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The ongoing legal saga surrounding Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, initially sparked by the film “It Ends With Us,” has evolved into a complex courtroom drama involving numerous parties and scenarios. For Baldoni, the lawsuit has spiraled beyond his expectations, posing significant financial challenges as the case is set to go to trial in 2026.
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A major indication of Baldoni’s financial strain is the recent decision by him and his wife, Emily Baldoni, to list their lavish Ojai, California residence for $8.9 million, as of February 10, 2026. According to Sotheby’s International Realty, the property is described as a “rare retreat style compound” offering expansive views and privacy over ten acres. The couple’s home, which was featured in a 2023 Architectural Digest article, was meticulously remodeled over two years to be a sanctuary, as Emily Baldoni described. However, it seems they now must find a new haven elsewhere.
Despite the challenges, the Baldonis appear committed to enduring the legal turmoil together, with the hope that selling their cherished estate will alleviate some financial burdens. Their marriage, often surrounded by intrigue, stands firm as they navigate these trying times.
Further underscoring Baldoni’s financial woes, his attorney, Bryan Freedman, revealed in February 2025 that the lawsuit had left Baldoni “devastated financially and emotionally,” according to a report by People. Freedman contended in court that the legal battle had resulted in Baldoni being “exiled from polite society” and suffering damages in the hundreds of millions. Meanwhile, despite her tarnished reputation in Hollywood, Lively remains resolute in her legal pursuit, intensifying the pressure on Baldoni.
Complicating matters further, Baldoni launched a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times in late 2024, following their coverage of Lively’s lawsuit. He later merged this suit with his ongoing case against Lively and others, only for it to be dismissed in June 2025. The New York Times then retaliated with a lawsuit against Baldoni in September 2025, seeking around $150,000 for legal fees and damages, as reported by Deadline, further compounding Baldoni’s legal and financial troubles.
Justin Baldoni’s failed lawsuit left him wrecked
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Another major sign that Justin Baldoni has been struggling financially is the fact that his lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said as much in court in February 2025, claiming Blake Lively’s lawsuit against him left him “devastated financially and emotionally,” as reported by People. Responding to Lively’s request for a gag order in a letter, Freedman also argued that, as a result of the lawsuit, Baldoni was “exiled from polite society and suffered damages totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.” Despite how Lively’s reputation in Hollywood has soured, she seems determined to win this lawsuit, putting Baldoni in a tough place.Â
But it’s not just Lively who has been trying to get money from Baldoni in this situation. At the end of 2024, Baldoni filed his own lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging defamation for the publication’s report on Lively’s lawsuit. Soon after, he combined the suit against The New York Times with his case against Lively and others, only for it to be dismissed in June 2025. While this could’ve been the end of it, The New York Times turned around and filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in September 2025, asking for around $150,000 for legal fees and damages, in a major blow for Baldoni, via Deadline. Â
Considering the many shady details coming out about Baldoni amid the lawsuit, his chances of coming out of the case on top aren’t looking great. Now, Baldoni is losing money on multiple fronts, and the end of the nightmare lawsuit isn’t in sight yet. It remains to be seen whether or not Baldoni and his wife will come out of this situation with any money left to move on.