Blake Lively seeks 'damages' from Justin Baldoni for 'reputational harm' over USD 400 million lawsuit

The legal drama between Blake Lively and 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director Justin Baldoni is nowhere new its 'end'. The actress is now reportedly continuing her legal pursuit, allegedly seeking damages, even after reaching a 'settlement' ahead of the trial.As per the latest reports on the Daily Mail, Lively is asking a federal court in Manhattan to allow experts to quantify her losses from Baldoni’s failed USD 400 million defamation lawsuit against her, in a separate hearing to determine her financial losses due to the now-dismissed defamation lawsuit.During a hearing on Monday, the attorneys representing Lively allegedly argued that the actor should be permitted to present expert testimony to calculate the damages. As per the report, Lively's team alleges that the actress incurred substantial damage to her public image and career prospects, entitling her to compensation under applicable statutes. In addition to attorney's fees and litigation costs, the actress is reportedly seeking enhanced damages, including treble damages and punitive damages. However, Lively declined to provide a specific figure.As per her lawyer, Michael Gottlieb, Baldoni's complaint allegedly affected Lively's reputation and professional opportunities.At the same time, Baldoni's legal team argued that a separate proceeding would effectively reopen the legal battle that has already been resolved. Baldoni's attorney, Ellyn Garofalo, also told the court there is no evidence that Lively suffered measurable harm as a result of the defamation action. She maintained that conducting a standalone damages hearing would amount to an "alternative trial" and could significantly prolong a dispute.Judge Liman appeared dubious to such evidence being presented to the court outside of a trial. He also reportedly questioned whether such complex claims could be adequately evaluated outside of a full jury trial.Speaking to the media after the hearing McCawley said Lively was determined to press on and admitted that "The damages [to Lively]are very significant."She added, "When you look at the harm that was caused to her, that's what it's meant to compensate, along with the attorney's fees and costs, and then the statute mandates that provide for trouble."Lively previously sued Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and claiming he orchestrated an alleged 'smear campaign' to damage her reputation. Baldoni denied the allegations and went on to countersue Lively for USD 400 million in damages.