Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni end two

By the end of 2024, Blake Lively filed a complaint against director Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment during the filming of the movie “It Ends With Us,” also accusing him of conducting a smear campaign against her. The filmmaker firmly denied these accusations and filed a counterclaim against Blake Lively, particularly for defamation. For two years, both sides clashed in the media and in court. A trial involving the two American stars was scheduled to begin on May 18, 2026, with Justin Baldoni and the former “Gossip Girl” star set to testify. However, after nearly two years of legal battles, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have just settled their dispute without going through a jury.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni reach an agreement a few days before their trial

In a joint statement released on May 4, 2026, and revealed by TMZ, the two stars announced that they had reached a settlement amicably. Their lawyers stated, “We acknowledge the difficulties encountered during this process and understand that the concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard… We sincerely hope that this will allow us to close this matter and move forward in a constructive and serene manner.” The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but both parties emphasized their desire to turn the page and preserve the image of the movie. They wrote, “The film ‘It Ends With Us’ is a source of pride for all of us,” reiterating their goal to “raise awareness and have a real impact on the lives of survivors of domestic violence.”

Most of Blake Lively’s charges had been dismissed

Throughout this case, Blake Lively has always had the support of her husband, Ryan Reynolds. However, she has faced several legal setbacks. Just days ago, a federal judge decided to dismiss 10 out of 13 charges ahead of the trial, including allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. The actress’s lawyer stated, “The case of sexual harassment did not prosper, not because the defendants did nothing wrong but because the court determined that Blake Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee.” On the other hand, the allegations of “digital violence,” which she regularly fights against on social media, were still pending review.

Her attorney then assured that Blake Lively was ready to testify and hinted that a negotiated outcome was not out of the question. This path eventually materialized, bringing an end to a legal saga closely followed in Hollywood.