Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Face Off in Court Over Legal War

Actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni met in a Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for a court-ordered settlement conference in their ongoing legal dispute stemming from the 2024 film It Ends With Us. This marked the first time the two had been in the same room since principal photography wrapped on the movie in early 2024.

A Bitter Legal Battle

The meeting comes after a series of lawsuits and accusations exchanged between the film’s stars. The tensions initially surfaced following the film’s publicity tour, when Baldoni’s absence from joint events raised questions and fueled rumors of discord on set. Lively, who portrays a domestic abuse survivor in the film adapted from Colleen Hoover’s novel, and Baldoni, the film’s director and male lead, found themselves embroiled in a public conflict.

Did You Know? It Ends With Us has grossed more than $350 million worldwide.

In December 2024, Lively filed a legal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging a hostile work environment and retaliation for reporting misconduct. She claimed that both Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath entered her on-set trailer while she was undressed, and that Baldoni improvised unwanted kissing and discussed his sex life on set. Lively also alleged that Baldoni engaged in a PR campaign to discredit her.

Legal Setbacks and Ongoing Disputes

A federal judge in New York later tossed out a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit brought by Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios against Lively. The judge ruled that Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment were legally protected and therefore immune from the suit. However, Lively’s original complaint against Baldoni remains active and is scheduled to go to trial on May 18.

The legal battles have expanded beyond the core dispute, with Baldoni also filing a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging that the publication “cherry-picked” and “altered communications” when reporting on Lively’s complaint. A flurry of lawsuits has also been filed among public relations representatives involved in the case, with accusations of defamation and attempts to cover up Baldoni’s behavior.

Expert Insight: The extensive legal maneuvering and involvement of public relations firms highlight the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding this case, demonstrating how quickly disputes in the entertainment industry can escalate into complex, public battles.

Wednesday’s settlement conference, overseen by Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave, aims to persuade Lively and Baldoni to reach a resolution before the trial. Filings in the case have revealed communications involving celebrities such as Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, and friend Taylor Swift, as well as Sony studio executives who allegedly criticized Lively.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Blake Lively first file a complaint against Justin Baldoni?

Blake Lively filed a legal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department in December 2024.

What was the outcome of Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer’s lawsuit against Blake Lively?

A federal judge in New York tossed out the $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit brought by Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios against Lively.

When is the trial related to Blake Lively’s complaint scheduled to begin?

The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18.

As settlement discussions begin, the outcome of this high-profile legal battle remains uncertain. Will the two actors reach a resolution, or will their dispute proceed to trial?