A federal judge overseeing the dispute between Blake Lively anJudge Lewis J. Liman suggested the trial, set for March 9, 2026, might be moved up if attorneys fail to follow court rules. The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has intensified, with both sides accusing each other of defamation and misconduct.
d Justin Baldoni cautioned lawyers against public comments that could impact the trial.
Neither Lively nor Baldoni appeared at the Manhattan federal court hearing, where their attorneys clashed over public statements. Michael Gottlieb, representing Lively, criticized Baldoni’s legal team for making damaging public remarks. He emphasized Lively’s desire for a fair trial, stating she was eager to present her case in court.
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, countered by claiming Lively’s allegations had cost Baldoni and his production company hundreds of millions. He argued that Lively’s public accusations initiated the media storm surrounding the case.
The legal conflict escalated in December when Lively sued Baldoni and his production company, alleging sexual harassment and reputational harm. In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit in January, accusing Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion, seeking $400 million in damages.
“It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was released in August and surpassed box office projections with a $50 million debut. However, its success was overshadowed by speculation about the rift between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Lively, widely recognized from Gossip Girl, has starred in films like The Town and The Shallows. Baldoni, known for Jane the Virgin, directed Five Feet Apart and authored Man Enough, challenging traditional masculinity.