Key Takeaways:
- No settlement expected—Baldoni’s attorney says the case may only be resolved in court.
- Blake Lively accuses Baldoni of harassment and a smear campaign following It Ends With Us.
- The lawsuit is scheduled for trial in March 2026 in New York Federal Court.
- Baldoni denies all allegations, calling them “categorically false” through his legal team.
Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer Shuts Down Settlement Possibility in Blake Lively Lawsuit
The legal dispute between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively continues to make waves in Hollywood, with Baldoni’s lawyer insisting that a settlement is not on the table.
The controversy stems from Lively’s allegations that Baldoni engaged in harassment during the production of It Ends With Us, the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Following the film’s completion, Lively filed a lawsuit, claiming that Baldoni and his team launched a smear campaign against her.
While Hollywood insiders speculate on the potential fallout, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, argues that the only way to clear his client’s name is through a courtroom trial.
Baldoni’s Attorney Speaks on ‘The Town’ Podcast
Appearing on Matthew Belloni’s popular Hollywood podcast The Town, Freedman was asked what it would take to settle the case and avoid further media scrutiny.
However, he firmly dismissed the idea of a settlement, stating:
“You keep referring to it as a circus, and I get it. But the reality is, this is not a circus when you go through an experience like this.”
Freedman suggested that Baldoni has suffered severe reputational damage and emphasized that proving his innocence in court is the best course of action:
“In this day and age, the only way that you can truly get back is to prove your innocence, and that’s what we’re actively working to do. That may only be able to be done in a courtroom.”
The Fallout: Lively’s Lawsuit and Public Statements
Speculation about tensions between the two stars began when fans noticed that Lively did not appear in press interviews alongside Baldoni or attend the film’s premiere. Shortly after, she filed her harassment lawsuit in New York Federal Court.
In a statement to The New York Times, Lively expressed her concerns about retaliation against those who speak up in Hollywood:
“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”
Her lawsuit is expected to go to trial in March 2026.
Baldoni Denies Allegations, Calls Accusations ‘Outrageous’
Baldoni, who directed and starred in It Ends With Us, has denied all allegations, with his attorney calling the claims “categorically false.”
Bryan Freedman, representing both Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer Studios, told Variety:
“These claims are completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious, with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media.”
While both parties prepare for trial, Hollywood insiders are keeping a close eye on how this case might impact their careers and the upcoming release of It Ends With Us.
