Justin Baldoni's production company has been ordered to pay 171,000 dollars in damages to the New York Times

Justin Baldoni's production company has been ordered to pay $171,000 in damages to the New York Times.

The 42-year-old actor's Wayfarer Studios has been ordered by a judge to pay the sum to the newspaper, after previously launching an unsuccessful defamation lawsuit against the New York Times over allegations made by Blake Lively.

New York Supreme Court Justice Gerald Lebovits awarded the New York Times $171,616.20 after ruling in favour of the publication.

The ruling relates to a 2024 newspaper article, titled We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine. The story detailed Lively’s sexual harassment and workplace retaliation allegations against Baldoni, her It Ends with Us co-star.

Justin and Lively became embroiled in a high-profile legal dispute in 2024, but they reached an out-of-court settlement earlier this year.

Their lawyers - Bryan Freedman, Ellyn Garofalo, Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson - said via a joint statement: "The end product – the movie It Ends With Us – is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors – and all survivors – is a goal that we stand behind.

"We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognise concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard.

"We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online."