Justin Baldoni‘s production company Wayfarer Studios has faced a significant legal setback. The studio’s failed defamation lawsuit against the New York Times has resulted in a major court ruling. Wayfarer Studios is now required to pay a substantial sum in damages to the newspaper.

Justin Baldoni’s Studio Must Pay $171K After Unsuccessful Defamation Lawsuit

A court has dismissed Wayfarer Studios’ defamation lawsuit against the New York Times regarding its coverage of Blake Lively’s allegations related to the controversial 2024 film It Ends With Us. The production company, co-founded by Justin Baldoni, has been ordered to pay significant damages.

On Monday, July 27, New York Supreme Court Justice Gerald Lebovits issued a ruling. The judge awarded The New York Times $171,616.20 after granting summary judgment in its favor under New York’s anti-SLAPP law.

Lebovits stated that Wayfarer’s lawsuit was based on reporting that pertained to a matter of public interest. He noted that the studio’s claims lacked “a substantial basis in fact and law.” The judge remarked, “The underlying federal action here arose from publicly posted media coverage… About a legal proceeding brought by a prominent actress.”

Lebovits also denied Wayfarer’s request to postpone the case pending a potential appeal, citing both parties’ May 2026 settlement in which Justin Baldoni and other defendants waived their right to appeal.

The New York Times released a statement following the recent ruling. “We’re delighted by the court’s decision. The anti-SLAPP statute is designed to combat exactly these kinds of meritless suits brought to silence the press,” the newspaper stated (via The Wrap).

Wayfarer Studios initially filed the defamation lawsuit against the New York Times over its December 2024 investigation titled “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine.” The report investigated Blake Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment and workplace retaliation against her co-star Justin Baldoni.