Trial Date Set for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's Legal Battle Over 'It Ends With Us'

The high-profile case involving allegations of harassment and defamation will begin in March 2026, with both sides accusing each other of misconduct on and off the film set.

Blake Lively has accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of the film 'It Ends With Us,' which Baldoni directed and co-starred in alongside Lively.
Baldoni has countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others for defamation and civil extortion, seeking $400 million in damages, while also suing New York Times for $250 million over related coverage.
A federal judge has scheduled the trial to begin on March 9, 2026, and consolidated the various lawsuits filed by both parties into a single proceeding.
Lively's legal team has requested a gag order against Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, citing concerns over media statements and a planned website allegedly designed to influence public opinion against her.
Key evidence in the case includes a late-night voice memo from Baldoni apologizing to Lively and behind-the-scenes footage released by Baldoni's team, which both sides claim supports their respective narratives.