Blake Lively is asking a federal judge to order Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios to pay more than $8 million in attorneys’ fees and litigation costs following the dismissal of Baldoni’s defamation-related lawsuit against her.

According to a court filing submitted on June 29, Lively is seeking $8,035,040.88, including approximately $7.5 million in attorneys’ fees and about $539,000 in litigation expenses.

Her legal team argues the costs were necessary to successfully defend against what they describe as a retaliatory lawsuit. The filing also notes that Lively has already paid, and continues to pay, her legal bills while reserving the right to seek additional fees related to the current request.

Why the Amount Is So High

Lively’s attorneys contend the case generated extraordinary legal expenses because of its high public profile. They point to extensive media coverage, thousands of produced documents, and significant discovery involving multiple parties throughout the litigation.

The filing argues that the work performed by her legal team was essential to securing the dismissal of the claims brought against her.

Judge Has Yet to Decide

Although Lively has formally requested reimbursement, the court has not yet ruled on whether she will receive the full amount.

U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman has given Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios until July 13 to respond before deciding whether to grant the request, reduce the amount, or deny part of it.

The dispute grew out of the production and promotion of the film It Ends With Us and eventually expanded into competing legal claims between Lively and Baldoni.

Earlier this month, Judge Liman ruled that Lively could seek attorneys’ fees under a California law designed to protect individuals from retaliatory defamation lawsuits after reporting alleged sexual harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. However, he declined her request to pursue treble and punitive damages within the same proceeding.

Following that ruling, Lively’s attorneys described the decision as a major legal victory. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, argued that the court’s decision was more limited and maintained that any fee award should be narrowly applied.

What Happens Next

The court’s upcoming decision will determine whether Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios must reimburse Lively for all, some, or none of the requested legal costs. Regardless of the outcome, the ruling could become another significant chapter in one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal disputes.