A federal judge overseeing the contentious dispute between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni addressed the issue of public comments made by their legal teams during a recent hearing. Judge Lewis J. Liman emphasized the necessity for lawyers to adhere to court regulations regarding public statements to maintain the integrity of the upcoming trial. He hinted at the possibility of expediting the trial date, currently set for March 9, 2026, if the attorneys cannot refrain from making comments that might influence potential jurors.
Neither Blake Lively nor Justin Baldoni was present at the federal court session held in Manhattan, where lawyers exchanged accusations about unfair practices in the ongoing legal battle. Lively’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, voiced concerns over what he termed inflammatory remarks made by Baldoni’s lawyer, suggesting that these statements were damaging to Lively’s reputation.
The attorney highlighted Lively’s eagerness to proceed with the case, asserting that she is ready for her moment in court. In response, Bryan Freedman, who represents Baldoni and his production company, claimed that his clients have suffered extensive financial damages, amounting to hundreds of millions, as a result of Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment on the film’s set. Freedman noted that while he refrained from claiming that Lively initiated the conflict, he pointed out that her decision to publicize her grievances against Baldoni had serious repercussions.
Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, his production company, and others in late December. She accused them of sexual harassment and damaging her reputation and is seeking unspecified monetary compensation. In turn, Baldoni initiated his own lawsuit last month, leveling accusations of defamation and extortion against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and is seeking damages amounting to at least $400 million.
The film in question, “It Ends With Us,” which adapts Colleen Hoover’s acclaimed 2016 novel, portrays a romance that transitions into themes of domestic violence. Released in August, it achieved significant box office success, grossing $50 million upon its debut. However, the release was overshadowed by speculation surrounding the apparent conflict between Lively and Baldoni.
Blake Lively gained fame after her role in the 2005 film “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and solidified her popularity through the TV series “Gossip Girl,” airing from 2007 to 2012. She has also starred in various films, including “The Town” and “The Shallows.” On the other hand, Justin Baldoni is recognized for his role in the television comedy “Jane the Virgin,” where he also made a mark as a director with the 2019 film “Five Feet Apart,” in addition to advocating for a redefined understanding of masculinity through his book, “Man Enough.”
