A judge has dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. This ruling marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal dispute involving the former co-stars. The decision was made on Monday by Judge Lewis J. Liman.

Baldoni, who is 41, filed the lawsuit in January, claiming that Lively and Reynolds aimed to "destroy" his career after allegedly hijacking his film, "It Ends With Us." This film, which Baldoni directed and starred in alongside Lively, has been at the center of their legal battles.

In response to the ruling, Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, issued a statement declaring it a "total victory and a complete vindication." They emphasized that the lawsuit was baseless, stating, "As we have said from day one, this ‘$400 million’ lawsuit was a sham, and the Court saw right through it."

The judge also dismissed Baldoni’s $250 million defamation claim against The New York Times. Baldoni accused the publication of libel, alleging that it published an article filled with inaccuracies and misrepresentations based on Lively’s narrative. Judge Liman noted that Baldoni’s legal team could still amend their claims regarding breach of implied covenant and tortious interference with contract, with a deadline set for June 23.

In his opinion, Judge Liman pointed out that Baldoni’s team did not sufficiently allege that Lively was responsible for any statements beyond those in her complaint, which are considered privileged. He further stated that Baldoni's claims against Reynolds and publicist Leslie Sloane lacked the necessary basis for defamation under applicable law.

The legal saga has been complicated by Lively’s own allegations against Baldoni. In December, she filed a lawsuit claiming that Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of "It Ends With Us" and accused him of attempting to ruin her reputation following the film's release. Baldoni has denied these allegations and countersued Lively, Reynolds, and Sloane for defamation and extortion.

Additionally, Baldoni's lawsuit against The New York Times stemmed from a December article discussing Lively’s harassment claims. Recently, journalist James Vituscka retracted his earlier statements that suggested Sloane had indicated Lively was sexually harassed by Baldoni. Vituscka clarified that his previous use of the term "sexually assaulted" was a mistake and not based on any conversation with Sloane.

As the legal proceedings continue, Baldoni's team has the option to revise their claims, while Lively and Reynolds celebrate their legal victory.