Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni fail to reach a settlement in a high-stakes It Ends With Us legal battle

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni fail to reach a settlement in a high-stakes It Ends With Us legal battle

• Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal dispute remains unresolved after mediation.
• The case is set for trial in New York on May 18, 2026
• Lively alleges harassment and retaliation; Baldoni's countersuit was dismissed

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Actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni failed to settle on February 11, 2026, during court-ordered mediation in their high-profile legal dispute tied to the 2024 film It Ends With Us, meaning the case is likely headed for trial this spring in New York.

The closed-door session at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan lasted about six hours under the supervision of Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave, but neither side agreed on terms to end the lawsuit before trial.

Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, confirmed that no settlement was reached and that the case will move forward toward its scheduled trial in mid-May.

Blake Lively, 38, initially filed the lawsuit in December 2024, accusing Justin  Baldoni, who directed and co-starred with her in It Ends With Us, of sexual harassment, retaliation, and orchestrating a smear campaign against her after she raised concerns about his behavior on set.

Her legal team is seeking more than $160 million in damages.

Justin Baldoni, 42, responded with his own legal actions, including a countersuit alleging defamation and extortion involving Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others. However, his $400 million countersuit was dismissed by a federal judge in June 2025, with the court ruling that many of Baldoni’s claims lacked legal merit or were protected by litigation privilege.

Despite the failed mediation, both actors and their legal teams remain entrenched in litigation. According to court filings and coverage by The Hollywood Reporter and The Wrap, Lively’s lawsuit includes allegations of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at damaging her career and reputation, while Baldoni has sought to defend his actions and dismiss her claims.

The dispute has drawn wider attention due to its Hollywood star power and involvement of high-profile potential witnesses, including names like Emily Blunt, Hugh Jackman, and Taylor Swift, whose text messages were referenced in unsealed evidence.

The upcoming trial — currently set for May 18, 2026 — will see both Lively and Baldoni presented with opportunities to testify, and court watchers expect intense scrutiny given the nature of the accusations and the prominence of those involved.

Also read: Justin Baldoni lists $8.88 million Ojai home amid Blake Lively's legal row

Meanwhile, both stars exited mediation without public comments. Blake appeared focused and serious as she left the courthouse, while Justin, accompanied by his wife, appeared composed. The failure to settle marks the latest chapter in one of Hollywood’s most complex and closely watched legal battles in recent years.