In a major victory for Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds, a New York federal judge has sided with the actress in a messy legal battle involving her 'It Ends With Us' director and co-star, whom she accused of alleged sexual harassment and weaponizing social media.

Mr. Baldoni had accused Ms. Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of trying to destroy his reputation by accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation.

Federal Judge Lewis Liman of New York's southern district accepted the motion to dismiss the multi-million-dollar counter lawsuit filed by Baldoni that alleged defamation and extortion. In addition, the judge, likewise, tossed out a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.