Actress Blake Lively is demanding that actor Justin Baldoni pay her damages and attorneys’ fees following a federal court settlement signed Thursday [1, 2].

This development suggests that the resolution of the years-long legal battle [3] may not be complete despite the judge's approval of the settlement. The ongoing financial demands indicate a continuing rift between the two former collaborators.

Lively alleges that Baldoni filed a retaliatory defamation lawsuit against her [4]. Because of these actions, she is seeking compensation for legal costs and damages [1, 2]. Some reports indicate that the amount Lively is seeking could potentially reach tens of millions [5].

The legal dispute has seen conflicting interpretations from both sides. While some reports describe the settlement as a resounding victory for Lively [6], other accounts suggest she remains focused on recovering her legal expenses [2].

Baldoni's team has also responded to the developments, saying the settlement is a victory from their own perspective [4]. The federal judge's approval of the settlement on Thursday was intended to resolve the conflict, but the demand for fees keeps the parties in opposition [1, 7].

The specific district of the U.S. federal court that handled the case was not identified in the available records [1, 2].

“Lively is demanding that Baldoni pay her damages and attorneys’ fees”

The request for attorneys' fees and damages after a judge has already approved a settlement indicates that the parties may have reached an agreement on the core legal merits of the case, but not on the financial liabilities associated with the litigation. This creates a secondary legal hurdle that could prolong the conflict and increase the total financial stakes of the dispute.