Blake Lively Lawsuit 2026, Settlement Talks Fail, Trial Set For May 18—$550M Sexual Harassment Case Against Justin Baldoni Moves Forward

Court-ordered settlement talks in Blake Lively’s sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against Justin Baldoni have floundered, and the It Ends With Us co-stars are almost certainly going to trial. Baldoni attorney Bryan Freedman confirmed attempts to reach a deal have proven “unsuccessful” after a February 11, 2026 settlement conference at Manhattan’s federal courthouse. The trial begins May 18, 2026.

What Is The Blake Lively Lawsuit About

Blake Lively met Justin Baldoni in a Manhattan courtroom, face-to-face for the first time in years, as the two are being forced to attempt a last-ditch effort to settle the messy web of accusations each has made in lawsuits filed against one another following the production of the 2024 movie It Ends With Us.

Lively, 38, accused Baldoni, 41, and his Wayfarer Studios production company of orchestrating a punitive “smear campaign” after she spoke out about the allegedly toxic work environment he created on the set of “It Ends With Us”. Baldoni directed the film and starred alongside Lively.

Lively filed a legal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department in December 2024, accusing Baldoni, producer Jamey Heath, and Wayfarer Studios of creating a hostile work environment and retaliating against her for reporting misconduct. She filed a federal civil lawsuit on December 31, 2024.

Legal Claims Filed Against Justin Baldoni

The case mirrors workplace harassment issues seen in the Lizzo Banana Lawsuit 2026, Sexual Harassment Case Still Active After Fat-Shaming Claims Dropped—What’s Next For Trial, where entertainment industry power dynamics created hostile environments.

Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliatory behaviour and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The damages sought in the case now total a staggering USD 550 million. Some sources report Lively is seeking total damages of around $500 million for injuries to her reputation, family and businesses.

The lawsuit alleges Baldoni created an uncomfortable work environment on set, then orchestrated a coordinated public relations campaign to destroy Lively’s reputation when she complained. One element of the ongoing legal battle clarified a bit more in today’s filings is the role of Sony Pictures in the matter. The fact that Lively oversaw her own edit of IEWU, and that her version was primarily what was released in August 2024, has been a clear point of contention for Baldoni and Wayfarer.

Baldoni’s Countersuit Dismissed, Lively’s Case Proceeds

Shortly after Lively filed her lawsuit, Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and the couple’s publicist for extortion and defamation, claiming Lively had “robbed” him of control over the film and had destroyed his reputation.

A federal judge in New York dismissed Baldoni’s suit last June, formally ending the counterclaim in October after Baldoni did not refile an amended complaint. Judge Lewis Liman dismissed Baldoni’s suit, which included all of the allegations against Lively, Reynolds, their publicist and her PR company, and The New York Times.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman is now weighing whether the high-profile case, filed in the Southern District of New York, should move forward. Baldoni’s team has argued in a summary judgment motion that the suit amounts to little more than petty grievances that fall well below the standard for harassment. Lively’s side, meanwhile, has noted that other actors also had complaints about Baldoni’s conduct on set.

February 2026 Settlement Conference Failed

The “It Ends With Us” co-stars appeared in person at a New York City courthouse Wednesday for a court-ordered settlement conference. Both Lively and Wayfarer Studios co-founder Baldoni exited the courthouse around 4 p.m. ET after a closed-door session with their respective legal teams in front of Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

Freedman didn’t rule out a possible settlement in the future, saying that “there’s always a chance” and that he remains “very hopeful” about how the case will proceed. However, when asked if he believed the case will go to trial, Freedman said, “I do. We’re looking forward to it”.

The case has exposed uncomfortable details about Hollywood power dynamics, similar to revelations in the Whitney Wolfe Herd Tinder Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Settles For $1 Million – How Bumble Founder Turned Workplace Discrimination Into Billion-Dollar Empire.

The biggest headlines in the case have come from the court’s unsealing communications with other celebrities, including Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, who pushed their agency, WME, to advocate harder on Lively’s behalf with Sony executives. Taylor Swift’s private messages were also made public.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Blake Lively lawsuit about?

Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation, alleging he created a hostile work environment on the “It Ends With Us” set and then orchestrated a coordinated PR smear campaign when she complained. The case seeks $500-550 million in damages.

Has the Blake Lively case been settled?

No. Settlement talks on February 11, 2026 failed to produce an agreement. The case is proceeding to trial scheduled for May 18, 2026 in Manhattan federal court.

What is the current status of the lawsuit?

Active litigation. Judge Lewis Liman dismissed Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit in June 2025. Lively’s sexual harassment case remains on track for May 2026 trial after failed settlement negotiations.

Who is involved in the case?

Plaintiffs: Blake Lively. Defendants: Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, producer Jamey Heath. Baldoni’s dismissed countersuit named Ryan Reynolds and publicist Leslie Sloane.

When does the trial start?

May 18, 2026 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York before Judge Lewis Liman.

Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides information about the Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni lawsuit based on court filings and public statements. It is not legal advice.

If you’re experiencing workplace sexual harassment in entertainment, document everything and consult an employment attorney specializing in hostile work environments.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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