Latest news with #CRD
Medscape
5 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Why Is Europe Neglecting Chronic Respiratory Disease?
The magnitude of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) across Europe has been overlooked, leading to under- and misdiagnosis, poor management, and inadequate funding, according to a new report. Published by the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe and the European Respiratory Society, the report found that 81.7 million people in the region are living with a CRD — including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other lung diseases — and 6.8 million are newly diagnosed each year. CRDs are the sixth leading cause of death in the WHO European region, with almost 400,000 dying from a CRD every year, nearly 80% of which are caused by COPD. However, most of these deaths are driven by preventable risk factors, primarily tobacco use and indoor and outdoor air pollution. The region has one of the highest rates of tobacco use, with one fourth of its adults being smokers, and more than 90% breathing air that is polluted with dangerous levels of particulate matter. Answering the Whys So why are CRDs so vastly underdiagnosed in Europe? Why do healthcare professionals not have the skills and expertise to identify them, as stated in the report? And what resources are required to bridge this gap? On a policy level, the report noted an important paradox: Earlier progress led to a decline in CRD mortality, but this consequently led to reduced research funding and weakened surveillance. Without understanding the true burden of disease, it is difficult to advocate for increased policy focus and additional funding. 'Unfortunately, due to complexity with their definitions and absence of unanimously agreed targets, CRD surveillance and monitoring systems are not well designed,' the report said. 'Determining the real magnitude of the CRD burden is fundamental to identifying unmet needs at population level.' 'There has been a reduction in investment for CRD research compared with other noncommunicable diseases, where epidemiological studies have defined their global burden and priority actions; there are only a handful of population-based studies on CRDs,' the report continued. Numerous health system and health worker challenges prevent the timely and correct diagnosis of CRDs. These include overlapping symptoms with other respiratory conditions and frequent comorbidities; limited healthcare provider knowledge and skills, especially at the primary healthcare level; inadequate access to diagnostic tools; lack of respiratory health specialists; and lack of awareness among patients, all of which can contribute to under- and misdiagnosis and thus delays in accessing treatment. Respiratory Diseases Not so Glamorous Philip Bardin, FRACP, PhD, professor and director of Lung and Sleep Medicine at Monash University and Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia, and an international authority in the field of asthma and COPD, told Medscape Medical News that the impact of CRDs in the community has long been underappreciated. Philip Bardin, FRACP, PhD 'We compete in the health space with other chronic diseases that use shock and awe tactics such as: 'You will have a stroke, a heart attack, or your foot will fall off' to gain public attention and funding,' he said. 'Historically, [there has been] poor advocacy by craft groups.' Peter Burney, MD, professor of respiratory epidemiology and public health at the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London and honorary consultant physician at Royal Brompton Hospital, London, England, echoed Bardin's thoughts. Peter Burney, MD 'Respiratory diseases are not glamourous; there is little sympathy for the old and the poor, and even less if they have been smokers. Asthma research has always been better funded with publicity that focuses on childhood [exposure to] smoking. Governments ought to be spurred on by the high costs of COPD in [terms of] direct costs of hospitalization.' He cited a 2015 study published in the journal Chest that reviewed population-based prevalence studies that measured lung function and looked for undiagnosed COPD. Undiagnosed COPD was high in almost all locations studied, he said. 'London (UK) had a high prevalence of disease, but approximately 80% [of detected COPD cases were] undiagnosed. The why is complicated,' he said. 'Firstly, COPD is a very recent invention, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may mean more to average Americans than others. We used to call it bronchitis or chronic obstructive bronchitis.' The Primary Care Challenge With a shortage of respiratory specialists, some countries are expanding the role of primary healthcare to include the identification of CRDs, joining many other countries that have for decades put primary providers on the front line of respiratory medicine. But while spirometry is one of the essential tools for diagnosing and monitoring CRDs, it remains limited as it requires well-trained staff, reliable equipment, and standardized procedures. 'Spirometry is not commonly done in general practice, and it was more or less stopped during COVID. It is difficult to do well, and quality assurance is a problem,' Burney said. 'If a practitioner is not using skills learned in medical school and in early training, the skill in interpreting spirometry results soon atrophies. In addition, primary care is feeling a bit put upon, and it is difficult in these circumstances to launch a whole new initiative.' Promise in Education Expanding education and using innovative technology appear to hold some promise in overcoming such challenges. The report cited Spain, which has a new e-learning program, Spirometry Simplified, for primary healthcare providers to expand their knowledge. Also, Italy and Spain are testing tele-spirometry. Here, a technician remotely controls from within a hospital a computer with spirometer software that is connected to a primary care patient. The aim is to help overcome the issue of poor-quality spirometry use in primary care. 'Solutions need to come via patient participation and teamwork by doctors, nurses, and others to improve care. Waiting for governments and bureaucrats to solve problems will take us nowhere,' Bardin said. 'Doing better what we've always done will get us what we've always had.' Bardin and Burney reported having no relevant financial relationships.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Justin Baldoni's Lawyer Says Blake Lively's Victory Is 'False'
Originally appeared on E! Online Justin Baldoni's lawyer has a lot more to say. One day after the It Ends With Us director's $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively—as well as her husband Ryan Reynolds and publicist Leslie Sloane—was officially dismissed by a judge June 9, his attorney stressed that the legal battle is far from over. 'Ms. Lively and her team's predictable declaration of victory is false,,' Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman said in a statement to E! News June 10. 'So let us be clear about the latest ruling.' Indeed, in legal documents obtained by E! News, judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that Baldoni and his associates had failed to prove defamation in their filing and to prove that 'Lively's threats were wrongful extortion rather than legally permissible hard bargaining or renegotiation of working conditions.' (Baldoni's $250 million lawsuit against was also dismissed.) However, the judge ruled that Baldoni can refile an amended complaint on the allegations of tortious interference with contract, relating to Reynolds and Lively, and breach of implied covenant, relating to Lively by June 23. And, according to Freedman, Baldoni's case against Lively goes far deeper than his dismissed claims of defamation. More from E! Online Justin Bieber Slams "Transactional Relationships' After Hailey Bieber Split Rumors Glen Powell's Ex Gigi Paris Breaks Silence on Sydney Sweeney Romance Rumors Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Married? Here's the Truth 'This case is about false accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation and a nonexistent smear campaign, which Ms. Lively's own team conveniently describes as 'untraceable' because they cannot prove what never happened,' Freedman continued. 'Most importantly, Ms. Lively's own claims are no truer today than they were yesterday, and with the facts on our side, we march forward with the same confidence that we had when Ms. Lively and her cohorts initiated this battle and look forward to her forthcoming deposition, which I will be taking.' Meanwhile, Lively—who sued Baldoni in January for emotional distress and loss of wages that she says occurred during the filming of It Ends With Us—went on to share gratitude for the support she received following Baldoni's initial filing. 'Like so many others, I've felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us,' Lively wrote in a June 9 statement on her Instagram Story. 'While the suit against me was defeated, so many don't have the resources to fight back.' Following her legal win, Lively said she was 'more resolved than ever' to stand for women's rights to protect themselves, and went on to share resources. She concluded with a note to those who supported her in her own legal endeavor, 'I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.' Keep reading for the latest in the ongoing legal battle between Baldoni and Lively… Dec. 20, 2024: Blake Lively Files CRD Complaint Against Justin Baldoni and His Wayfarer AssociatesDec. 21, 2024: The New York Times Publishes Report About the Alleged Smear Campaign Against LivelyDec. 21, 2024: Baldoni and Wayfarer's Attorney Responds to Lively's CRD ComplaintDec. 21, 2024: Baldoni Is Dropped by Talent AgencyDec. 21, 2024: It Ends With Us Cast Members and More Stars React to Lively's Allegations Against BaldoniDec. 23, 2024: Baldoni and Heath's Cohost on The Man Enough Podcast Leaves ShowDec. 24, 2024: Baldoni's Former Publicist Sues Him, Abel, Nathan and Wayfarer Dec. 31, 2024: Baldoni, Wayfarer & Others Sue The New York TimesDec. 31, 2024: Lively Files Lawsuit Against Baldoni and Wayfarer AssociatesJan. 2, 2025: Baldoni's Lawyer Expresses Intent to Sue LivelyJan. 7, 2025: Baldoni's Lawyer Calls Out Deadpool & WolverineJan. 16, 2025: Baldoni, Wayfarer, Nathan & Abel File Lawsuit Against Lively, Reynolds & OthersJan. 16, 2025: Lively's Lawyers Slam Baldoni's "Desperate" LawsuitJan. 21, 2025: Behind-the-Scenes Footage of It Ends With Us ReleasedJan. 22, 2025: Lively and Reynolds Seek Gag Order on Baldoni's LawyerJan. 27, 2025: Baldoni's 2 AM Voice Memo to Lively RevealedJan. 27, 2025: Lively vs. Baldoni Trial SetJan. 31, 2025: Baldoni Adds The New York Times to $400 Million LawsuitFeb. 2, 2025: Baldoni's Team Launches a WebsiteFeb. 18, 2025: Lively Files Her Own Amended ComplaintFeb. 20, 2025: Lively and Reynold's Publicist Asks to Be Dropped From Lawsuit For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
The Advertiser
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Justin Baldoni's lawsuit against Blake Lively dismissed
A US judge has dismissed actor Justin Baldoni's multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, who accused him of sexually harassing her while filming the movie It Ends with Us. US District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan said Lively's claims to a California state agency about Baldoni's alleged harassment during the filming were privileged, and shielded from the defamation claim by Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios. Liman also dismissed Baldoni's related $US250 million ($A384 million) lawsuit against the New York Times for its December 21, 2024 article about the dispute, "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine". The judge said Baldoni can try to file a much narrower lawsuit against Lively focused on contractual issues. "Today's opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively," her lawyers Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson said in a joint statement. "As we have said from day one, this $US400 million ($A614 million) lawsuit was a sham." Baldoni's lawsuit was in response to Lively's own lawsuit over his alleged harassment. She still seeks unspecified triple and punitive damages, and a March 2026 trial remains scheduled before Liman. A Times spokesman, Charlie Stadtlander, said in a statement: "Our journalists went out and covered carefully and fairly a story of public importance, and the court recognised that the law is designed to protect just that sort of journalism." The feud began publicly in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) about Baldoni, followed by her lawsuit. In response, Baldoni's countersuit accused Lively, her husband and actor Ryan Reynolds, Lively's publicist Leslie Sloane, the Times and others of trying to smear him. Baldoni said Lively tried to effectively hijack It Ends with Us, which he directed and whose themes included domestic violence, and then blame him when her "disastrous" promotional approach prompted an online backlash against her. Lively had called Baldoni's lawsuit a "vengeful" attempt to weaponise the federal courts, and pursue a "sinister campaign to bury and destroy" her for speaking out. The Times, meanwhile, said it shouldn't be punished merely for newsgathering, and said in the article that Baldoni led a "smear campaign" in retaliation for Lively's complaints was protected opinion. Liman said Baldoni alleged at most that Lively communicated the privileged CRD complaint to the Times, while her husband and publicist made what they thought were true statements about Baldoni's sexual harassment. "The Wayfarer Parties' conclusory allegations that the Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane engaged in a conspiracy to defame the Wayfarer Parties by disseminating knowingly false statements cannot substitute for factual allegations supporting a plausible inference that this occurred," the judge wrote. "Freedoms of expression require breathing space, and a publisher must be permitted to publish the story that it believes in good faith to be before it," Liman wrote. It Ends with Us garnered mixed reviews, but grossed more than $US351 million ($A538 million) worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. with AP A US judge has dismissed actor Justin Baldoni's multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, who accused him of sexually harassing her while filming the movie It Ends with Us. US District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan said Lively's claims to a California state agency about Baldoni's alleged harassment during the filming were privileged, and shielded from the defamation claim by Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios. Liman also dismissed Baldoni's related $US250 million ($A384 million) lawsuit against the New York Times for its December 21, 2024 article about the dispute, "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine". The judge said Baldoni can try to file a much narrower lawsuit against Lively focused on contractual issues. "Today's opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively," her lawyers Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson said in a joint statement. "As we have said from day one, this $US400 million ($A614 million) lawsuit was a sham." Baldoni's lawsuit was in response to Lively's own lawsuit over his alleged harassment. She still seeks unspecified triple and punitive damages, and a March 2026 trial remains scheduled before Liman. A Times spokesman, Charlie Stadtlander, said in a statement: "Our journalists went out and covered carefully and fairly a story of public importance, and the court recognised that the law is designed to protect just that sort of journalism." The feud began publicly in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) about Baldoni, followed by her lawsuit. In response, Baldoni's countersuit accused Lively, her husband and actor Ryan Reynolds, Lively's publicist Leslie Sloane, the Times and others of trying to smear him. Baldoni said Lively tried to effectively hijack It Ends with Us, which he directed and whose themes included domestic violence, and then blame him when her "disastrous" promotional approach prompted an online backlash against her. Lively had called Baldoni's lawsuit a "vengeful" attempt to weaponise the federal courts, and pursue a "sinister campaign to bury and destroy" her for speaking out. The Times, meanwhile, said it shouldn't be punished merely for newsgathering, and said in the article that Baldoni led a "smear campaign" in retaliation for Lively's complaints was protected opinion. Liman said Baldoni alleged at most that Lively communicated the privileged CRD complaint to the Times, while her husband and publicist made what they thought were true statements about Baldoni's sexual harassment. "The Wayfarer Parties' conclusory allegations that the Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane engaged in a conspiracy to defame the Wayfarer Parties by disseminating knowingly false statements cannot substitute for factual allegations supporting a plausible inference that this occurred," the judge wrote. "Freedoms of expression require breathing space, and a publisher must be permitted to publish the story that it believes in good faith to be before it," Liman wrote. It Ends with Us garnered mixed reviews, but grossed more than $US351 million ($A538 million) worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. with AP A US judge has dismissed actor Justin Baldoni's multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, who accused him of sexually harassing her while filming the movie It Ends with Us. US District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan said Lively's claims to a California state agency about Baldoni's alleged harassment during the filming were privileged, and shielded from the defamation claim by Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios. Liman also dismissed Baldoni's related $US250 million ($A384 million) lawsuit against the New York Times for its December 21, 2024 article about the dispute, "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine". The judge said Baldoni can try to file a much narrower lawsuit against Lively focused on contractual issues. "Today's opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively," her lawyers Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson said in a joint statement. "As we have said from day one, this $US400 million ($A614 million) lawsuit was a sham." Baldoni's lawsuit was in response to Lively's own lawsuit over his alleged harassment. She still seeks unspecified triple and punitive damages, and a March 2026 trial remains scheduled before Liman. A Times spokesman, Charlie Stadtlander, said in a statement: "Our journalists went out and covered carefully and fairly a story of public importance, and the court recognised that the law is designed to protect just that sort of journalism." The feud began publicly in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) about Baldoni, followed by her lawsuit. In response, Baldoni's countersuit accused Lively, her husband and actor Ryan Reynolds, Lively's publicist Leslie Sloane, the Times and others of trying to smear him. Baldoni said Lively tried to effectively hijack It Ends with Us, which he directed and whose themes included domestic violence, and then blame him when her "disastrous" promotional approach prompted an online backlash against her. Lively had called Baldoni's lawsuit a "vengeful" attempt to weaponise the federal courts, and pursue a "sinister campaign to bury and destroy" her for speaking out. The Times, meanwhile, said it shouldn't be punished merely for newsgathering, and said in the article that Baldoni led a "smear campaign" in retaliation for Lively's complaints was protected opinion. Liman said Baldoni alleged at most that Lively communicated the privileged CRD complaint to the Times, while her husband and publicist made what they thought were true statements about Baldoni's sexual harassment. "The Wayfarer Parties' conclusory allegations that the Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane engaged in a conspiracy to defame the Wayfarer Parties by disseminating knowingly false statements cannot substitute for factual allegations supporting a plausible inference that this occurred," the judge wrote. "Freedoms of expression require breathing space, and a publisher must be permitted to publish the story that it believes in good faith to be before it," Liman wrote. It Ends with Us garnered mixed reviews, but grossed more than $US351 million ($A538 million) worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. with AP A US judge has dismissed actor Justin Baldoni's multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, who accused him of sexually harassing her while filming the movie It Ends with Us. US District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan said Lively's claims to a California state agency about Baldoni's alleged harassment during the filming were privileged, and shielded from the defamation claim by Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios. Liman also dismissed Baldoni's related $US250 million ($A384 million) lawsuit against the New York Times for its December 21, 2024 article about the dispute, "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine". The judge said Baldoni can try to file a much narrower lawsuit against Lively focused on contractual issues. "Today's opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively," her lawyers Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson said in a joint statement. "As we have said from day one, this $US400 million ($A614 million) lawsuit was a sham." Baldoni's lawsuit was in response to Lively's own lawsuit over his alleged harassment. She still seeks unspecified triple and punitive damages, and a March 2026 trial remains scheduled before Liman. A Times spokesman, Charlie Stadtlander, said in a statement: "Our journalists went out and covered carefully and fairly a story of public importance, and the court recognised that the law is designed to protect just that sort of journalism." The feud began publicly in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) about Baldoni, followed by her lawsuit. In response, Baldoni's countersuit accused Lively, her husband and actor Ryan Reynolds, Lively's publicist Leslie Sloane, the Times and others of trying to smear him. Baldoni said Lively tried to effectively hijack It Ends with Us, which he directed and whose themes included domestic violence, and then blame him when her "disastrous" promotional approach prompted an online backlash against her. Lively had called Baldoni's lawsuit a "vengeful" attempt to weaponise the federal courts, and pursue a "sinister campaign to bury and destroy" her for speaking out. The Times, meanwhile, said it shouldn't be punished merely for newsgathering, and said in the article that Baldoni led a "smear campaign" in retaliation for Lively's complaints was protected opinion. Liman said Baldoni alleged at most that Lively communicated the privileged CRD complaint to the Times, while her husband and publicist made what they thought were true statements about Baldoni's sexual harassment. "The Wayfarer Parties' conclusory allegations that the Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane engaged in a conspiracy to defame the Wayfarer Parties by disseminating knowingly false statements cannot substitute for factual allegations supporting a plausible inference that this occurred," the judge wrote. "Freedoms of expression require breathing space, and a publisher must be permitted to publish the story that it believes in good faith to be before it," Liman wrote. It Ends with Us garnered mixed reviews, but grossed more than $US351 million ($A538 million) worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. with AP
Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Judge dismisses Justin Baldoni's $515 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively
A judge ruled that Blake Lively's (right) accusation about Justin Baldoni's alleged harassment during the filming was shielded from his defamation claim. PHOTOS: REUTERS, AFP NEW YORK – A United States judge on June 9 dismissed actor Justin Baldoni's US$400 million (S$515 million) defamation lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, who had accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her while filming the 2024 movie It Ends With Us. US District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan said Lively's claims to a California state agency about Baldoni's alleged harassment during the filming were privileged, and shielded from the defamation claim by Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios. In a 132-page decision, the judge also dismissed Baldoni's related US$250 million lawsuit against The New York Times. He said Baldoni can try to file a much narrower lawsuit against Lively focused on contractual issues. Lawyers for Baldoni did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 'Today's opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively,' her lawyers Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson said in a joint statement. 'As we have said from day one, this US$400 million lawsuit was a sham.' The Times had no immediate comment. Baldoni's lawsuit was in response to Lively's lawsuit in Manhattan federal court over the alleged harassment. She still seeks unspecified triple and punitive damages in that case, and a March 2026 trial remains scheduled. Lively alleges vengeance The feud began publicly in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) about Baldoni, followed by her lawsuit. In response, Baldoni's countersuit accused Lively, her husband and actor Ryan Reynolds, Lively's publicist Leslie Sloane, the Times and others of trying to smear him. Baldoni said Lively tried to effectively hijack It Ends With Us, which he directed and whose themes included domestic violence, and then blame him when her 'disastrous' promotional approach prompted an online backlash against her. His case against the Times focused on its Dec 21, 2024 article about them: 'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside A Hollywood Smear Machine. Lively had called Baldoni's lawsuit a vengeful attempt to weaponise the federal courts, and pursue a sinister campaign to bury and destroy her for speaking out. The Times, meanwhile, said it should not be punished merely for newsgathering, and said a statement in the article that Baldoni led a smear campaign in retaliation to Lively's complaints was protected opinion. Judge finds defamation claim implausible In his decision, the judge said Baldoni alleged at most that Lively communicated the privileged CRD complaint to the Times, while her husband and publicist made what they thought were true statements about Baldoni's sexual harassment. 'The Wayfarer parties' conclusory allegations that Lively, Reynolds and Sloane engaged in a conspiracy to defame the Wayfarer parties by disseminating knowingly false statements cannot substitute for factual allegations supporting a plausible inference that this occurred,' the judge wrote. He also said that even if the Wayfarer parties laid the groundwork for a negative publicity campaign but never put it into operation, the Times would not have known. 'Freedoms of expression require breathing space, and a publisher must be permitted to publish the story that it believes in good faith to be before it,' he wrote. It Ends With Us garnered mixed reviews, but grossed more than US$351 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, an American website that tracks box-office revenue. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AsiaOne
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Judge dismisses Justin Baldoni's $514m defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, Entertainment News
NEW YORK - A US judge on Monday dismissed actor Justin Baldoni's $400 million (S$514 million) defamation lawsuit against actress Blake Lively, who had accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her while filming the 2024 movie "It Ends with Us." US District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan said Lively's claims to a California state agency about Baldoni's alleged harassment during the filming were privileged, and shielded from the defamation claim by Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios. In a 132-page decision, Liman also dismissed Baldoni's related $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times for its December 21, 2024 article about the dispute, "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine." The judge said Baldoni can try to file a much narrower lawsuit against Lively focused on contractual issues. Lawyers for Baldoni did not immediately respond to requests for comment. "Today's opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively," her lawyers Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson said in a joint statement. "As we have said from day one, this $400 million lawsuit was a sham." Baldoni's lawsuit was in response to Lively's own lawsuit over his alleged harassment. She still seeks unspecified triple and punitive damages, and a March 2026 trial remains scheduled before Liman. A Times spokesman, Charlie Stadtlander, said in a statement: "Our journalists went out and covered carefully and fairly a story of public importance, and the court recognised that the law is designed to protect just that sort of journalism." LIVELY ALLEGES VENGEANCE The feud began publicly in December when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) about Baldoni, followed by her lawsuit. In response, Baldoni's countersuit accused Lively, her husband and actor Ryan Reynolds, Lively's publicist Leslie Sloane, the Times and others of trying to smear him. Baldoni said Lively tried to effectively hijack "It Ends with Us," which he directed and whose themes included domestic violence, and then blame him when her "disastrous" promotional approach prompted an online backlash against her. Lively had called Baldoni's lawsuit a "vengeful" attempt to weaponize the federal courts, and pursue a "sinister campaign to bury and destroy" her for speaking out. The Times, meanwhile, said it shouldn't be punished merely for newsgathering, and said a statement in the article that Baldoni led a "smear campaign" in retaliation for Lively's complaints was protected opinion. JUDGE FINDS DEFAMATION CLAIM IMPLAUSIBLE In his decision, Liman said Baldoni alleged at most that Lively communicated the privileged CRD complaint to the Times, while her husband and publicist made what they thought were true statements about Baldoni's sexual harassment. "The Wayfarer Parties' conclusory allegations that the Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane engaged in a conspiracy to defame the Wayfarer Parties by disseminating knowingly false statements cannot substitute for factual allegations supporting a plausible inference that this occurred," the judge wrote. Liman also said that even if the Wayfarer parties laid the groundwork for a negative publicity campaign but never put it into operation, the Times would not have known. "Freedoms of expression require breathing space, and a publisher must be permitted to publish the story that it believes in good faith to be before it," Liman wrote. It Ends with Us garnered mixed reviews, but grossed more than $351 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.
