The "It Ends With Us" director and leading man sued his costar and her husband alleging extortion, defamation, and breach of contract.

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.

But on June 9, Judge Lewis J. Liman threw out Baldoni's lawsuit, ruling that the statements at the center of the suits were either privileged or lacked the necessary legal basis for defamation. Baldoni's team may amend certain claims and refile by June 23.