Key Points
- Lively files March 12 letter urging case to proceed, citing a federal appeals ruling supporting her position.
- She alleges hostile work environment, sexual harassment and smear campaign against Baldoni; he denies the accusations.
- Trial set for May 18 after failed settlement talks, with both sides appearing headed toward trial.
Why They're In The News
BLAKE Lively is continuing her legal fight with Justin Baldoni as the latest chapter in their high-profile ‘It Ends With Us’ case unfolds.
Lively and her legal team filed a letter on March 12 arguing that her lawsuit should not be dismissed, pointing to a recent federal appeals court ruling they say supports keeping the case alive.
Lively, who starred as Lily in the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has alleged that Baldoni — her costar and the film’s director — fostered a hostile work environment on set.
She also accused him of sexual harassment and of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has denied the allegations, according to Usmagazine.
In the new filing, Lively’s team argued that dismissing the case now would not serve a fair or efficient resolution, especially if already-collected evidence could support her claims.
Baldoni previously moved to dismiss the lawsuit in November 2025, arguing that Lively could not prove actionable sexual harassment.
The stars also recently appeared in court for a settlement hearing suggested by Judge Lewis J. Liman, but those talks were reportedly unsuccessful.
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, said there is still a chance a settlement could happen, though for now both sides appear headed toward trial.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 18 after being pushed back from its original date. With both camps digging in, this legal showdown remains one of Hollywood’s most closely watched ongoing disputes.
Why This Matters
This standoff matters because it tests how Hollywood addresses alleged on-set misconduct, could reshape accountability for directors and stars, influence future harassment claims and settlements, and affect careers and public trust in major film productions.
