Blake Lively Accuses Justin Baldoni of Retaliatory Legal Tactics in Escalating Lawsuit

The legal battle over harassment allegations intensifies as both parties exchange new claims ahead of a trial scheduled for 2026.

Blake Lively's legal team has accused Justin Baldoni of employing 'scorched earth litigation' to intimidate harassment accusers and undermine legal protections for victims.
Baldoni has countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others for defamation and civil extortion, demanding $400 million in damages.
Publicist Stephanie Jones, accused of leaking texts related to the case, asserts the messages were disclosed under subpoena, not voluntarily leaked.
Lively recently filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s countersuit, citing California laws prohibiting retaliation against public disclosures of harassment.
The trial is scheduled for March 2026, though legal experts suggest a settlement could occur before the case reaches the courtroom.