Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Settle Legal Dispute Over Harassment Claims

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a settlement in their legal dispute, avoiding a trial that was scheduled to begin May 18, 2026. Lively had accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign during the production of the film "It Ends with Us," in which she starred and he directed. Baldoni denied all allegations and countersued for defamation, though his countersuit was dismissed by a judge. In April 2026, a federal judge in California dismissed Lively's main claims of sexual harassment and defamation on procedural grounds, retaining only minor retaliation claims against the production company. The settlement terms were not disclosed, but a joint statement expressed commitment to safe workplaces and hoped the resolution would allow all parties to move forward constructively. The case began in late 2024 when online speculation arose about Baldoni promoting the film separately from the cast. In December 2024, Lively formally accused Baldoni of harassment, including an unscripted kiss and entering her trailer while she was undressed. The New York Times reported that Baldoni had hired crisis communications consultant Megan Nathan, who had worked with Johnny Depp, to manage public perception. Internal messages cited in court documents showed discussions about "burying" Lively's reputation. The case attracted significant media and social media attention, with Lively facing online criticism.