Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni's legal teams to discuss potential settlement
What's the story
The legal teams of actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been instructed to discuss a potential last-minute settlement with US Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave, reported Daily Mail. This comes ahead of their trial scheduled for May 18. The decision follows a recent ruling that dismissed most of Lively's 13 claims against the It Ends With Us director on Thursday.
Settlement discussions
Settlement discussions will be held over the phone
The lawyers will speak to Judge Cave over the phone in separate sessions on Monday. They are expected to "discuss their client's updated settlement position" before the trial. The calls will not be accessible to the public, with Lively's lawyers scheduled for 3:00pm ET (12:30am IST) and Baldoni and Wayfarer Productions's attorneys at 4:00pm ET (1:30am IST).
Legal proceedings
Only 3 claims remain against Baldoni
After the recent ruling, only three of Lively's claims against Baldoni are still in play: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation. Baldoni's lead attorney, Bryan Freedman, told Page Six that they had "worked extremely long days and nights defending this case." Meanwhile, an attorney for Lively's team said the case has always been focused on "the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively's reputation."
Legal action
A timeline of the ongoing legal battle
Lively's lawsuit against Baldoni was filed in December 2024. She alleged on-set sexual harassment and retaliation, claiming damages of at least $161 million over a smear campaign. In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, which was dismissed by a judge in June 2025. The case has since seen several developments, including unsealed documents dragging several A-listers into the drama.