The ongoing legal dispute between Blake Lively and her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, has taken another turn as a New York judge scheduled a trial date for March 9, 2026.
The feud, which has played out both in court and in the public eye, involves lawsuits from both actors, with allegations of defamation, extortion, and reputational damage.
Meanwhile, Lively has also filed a request in Texas for a deposition related to online attacks against her during the film’s promotion.
Judge Sets March 2026 Trial Date
New York federal judge Lewis J. Liman issued an order on Monday setting the trial date and moving the initial case conference to next week. This decision comes amid growing concerns over pretrial publicity and legal strategies used by both sides.
Lively’s lawyers accused Baldoni’s legal team of trying to influence potential jurors by selectively releasing private communications and documents through a website.
They argued that these actions were aimed at damaging Lively’s reputation and unfairly influencing public perception.
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, denied these claims, insisting that his client was simply defending himself with “pure, unedited facts.” He argued that Lively’s attempt to limit public discussions about the case suggested she was afraid of the truth.
Legal Claims and Counterclaims
This high-profile case has escalated into a complex legal battle, with both actors filing lawsuits against each other:
Lively’s Allegations Against Baldoni
- Sexual harassment claims
- Reputational damage
- Emotional distress
- Unspecified financial damages
Baldoni’s Lawsuit Against Lively and Ryan Reynolds
- Defamation
- Extortion
- Damage to his career and reputation
- Seeks at least $400 million in damages
Judge Liman has indicated that both lawsuits will likely be combined into a single trial.
Lively’s Texas Court Filing Over Social Media Manipulation
In addition to the New York lawsuits, Lively has taken legal action in Texas, seeking a deposition from crisis management specialist Jed Wallace.
She claims Wallace played a key role in orchestrating an online campaign that turned public sentiment against her through platforms like Reddit and TikTok.
Allegations Against Wallace
- He was hired by publicists working with Baldoni’s production company.
- He allegedly created, manipulated, and spread disparaging content about Lively.
- His actions reportedly fueled a backlash against her, damaging her career.
While Wallace is mentioned in Lively’s federal lawsuit, he is not named as a defendant. Freedman, who also represents Wallace, has not commented on the Texas filing.
Background on It Ends With Us and the Public Fallout
Released in August 2024, It Ends With Us is an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, which starts as a romance but later delves into domestic violence.
Despite controversy surrounding its production and release, the film exceeded expectations at the box office, debuting with $50 million.
However, rumors of behind-the-scenes tension between Lively and Baldoni dominated the film’s release, leading to widespread online speculation. The legal battles that followed have only intensified media attention on their ongoing feud.
Impact on Lively and Baldoni’s Careers
Both actors have seen their reputations affected by the public and legal drama.
Blake Lively
- Rose to fame with The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) and Gossip Girl (2007–2012).
- Starred in major films like The Town (2010) and The Shallows (2016).
- The controversy could impact her future projects and brand partnerships.
Justin Baldoni
- Known for Jane the Virgin (2014–2019).
- Directed Five Feet Apart (2019) and wrote Man Enough, a book on modern masculinity.
- His legal claims suggest he believes his career has suffered “hundreds of millions” in damages due to the conflict.
The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is set to continue for years, with a trial date scheduled for March 2026.
As both actors fight to clear their names, allegations of defamation, harassment, and reputational damage have only intensified the public drama surrounding It Ends With Us.
With new legal filings emerging, including Lively’s Texas court action over social media manipulation, this high-profile case is far from over.