Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Legal Battle: A Hollywood Feud Escalates
The legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, stemming from their perform on the film It Ends With Us, continues to unfold. Following a six-hour settlement conference on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the two actors failed to reach an agreement, setting the stage for a trial scheduled to begin May 18.
The Core of the Dispute: Allegations and Counterclaims
Lively initially filed a lawsuit in December 2024 alleging sexual harassment and the creation of an unsafe work environment during the production of It Ends With Us. She also accused Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign against her following her complaints. Baldoni responded with a since-dismissed $400 million countersuit, alleging defamation and extortion. A separate defamation claim against The New York Times, which first reported Lively’s allegations, was also dismissed in June 2025.
A Day in Court: Separate Rooms, Familiar Faces
Both Lively and Baldoni appeared in person at the U.S. District Court in New York City for the settlement conference, overseen by U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. Baldoni arrived with his wife, Emily, although Lively was accompanied by her team. The actors spent the majority of the day in separate courtrooms, with Judge Cave mediating between their legal teams.
The Role of Public Relations and Celebrity Support
The case has turn into a battle of reputations, with Judge Lewis Liman previously characterizing it as a “feud between PR firms.” Unsealed emails and text messages revealed Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, sought support from a network of celebrity friends, including Taylor Swift, Jenny Slate, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Anna Wintour, as they navigated the escalating conflict. Lively reportedly asked Swift to vouch for her scriptwriting contributions to a pivotal scene in the film.
What’s Next: Heading to Trial
Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, confirmed that no settlement was reached and indicated that the case is likely to proceed to trial. He expressed optimism about the outcome, stating, “We’re looking forward to it.” A representative for Lively did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Broader Implications: Hollywood Disputes and Reputation Management
This case highlights the increasing scrutiny of workplace dynamics in Hollywood and the challenges of managing public image in the age of social media. The involvement of high-profile figures and the extensive legal maneuvering underscore the high stakes involved in these disputes.
Pro Tip:
In high-profile legal battles, maintaining a strong public relations strategy is crucial. Controlling the narrative and responding effectively to media inquiries can significantly impact public perception.
FAQ
- What are the main allegations in Blake Lively’s lawsuit? Lively alleges sexual harassment and retaliation by Justin Baldoni on the set of It Ends With Us, as well as a subsequent smear campaign.
- Has a settlement been reached? No, settlement talks were unsuccessful as of February 11, 2026.
- When is the trial scheduled to begin? The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18.
- Who is overseeing the legal proceedings? U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave is overseeing the settlement conference, while Judge Lewis Liman is considering motions related to the case.
Did you recognize? The case has involved hundreds of court filings and thousands of pages of documents, demonstrating the complexity of the legal battle.
Stay updated on this developing story and explore more coverage of Hollywood legal disputes on our website. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
