New York, NY – April 15, 2025 – In a strategic move in the high-profile legal battle between Wayfarer Studios LLC and actress Blake Lively, Wayfarer has opted not to amend their complaint at this stage. The decision, outlined in a letter dated April 15, 2025, from attorney Kevin Fritz of Meister Seelig & Fein PLLC to Judge Lewis J. Liman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, was shared on X by user @kiarajade2001. The case, Lively v. Wayfarer Studios LLC et al., stems from disputes over the film It Ends With Us, involving Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and Wayfarer’s Justin Baldoni.
🚨WAYFARER ARE DECLINING TO MOVE TO AMEND THEIR COMPLAINT 🚨
I’ve attached the short letter for people to read.
I think this is sensible. I’m confident that they are going to be asked to amend their complaint as a result of the decisions for the motions to dismiss.
By choosing… pic.twitter.com/6aTe2o50CK
— Leanne Newton (@kiarajade2001) April 15, 2025
The letter indicates that Wayfarer Studios, along with co-defendants including Baldoni, Jamey Heath, and Steve Sarowitz, believes the current First Amended Complaint (FAC) is sufficient. They argue that amending now would be premature, especially with discovery deadlines looming as set in the April 18, 2025, Case Management Plan. Wayfarer anticipates that Judge Liman will provide clarity on any deficiencies in the FAC following the pending motions to dismiss, allowing them to amend later if necessary under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15(a)(2). The letter cites legal precedents, including a 2020 Southern District of New York ruling, to support their stance on delaying amendments until the court rules on the motions.
Legal observers on X have praised the move as a tactical decision, noting it avoids unnecessary revisions while awaiting judicial guidance. The litigation, which also involves The New York Times and other parties, has drawn significant attention due to its high-profile players and allegations of misconduct. As the case progresses, all eyes remain on Judge Liman’s forthcoming rulings, which could shape the trajectory of this contentious dispute.
