Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settle lawsuit over *It Ends With Us* production disputes
Consensus Summary
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settled their high-profile lawsuit in May 2026, just weeks before a trial was set to begin in New York. The dispute stemmed from allegations by Lively that Baldoni sexually harassed her and retaliated against her during the production of their 2024 film *It Ends With Us*. Baldoni had filed a $400 million counter-defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, as well as a $250 million lawsuit against the *New York Times*, which was dismissed in June 2025. Judge Lewis Liman had previously dismissed most of Lively’s claims, leaving only breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation. Both parties released a joint statement emphasizing their shared commitment to raising awareness about domestic violence and fostering respectful workplaces, though settlement terms remained confidential. The case had drawn significant media attention, with allegations of improvised sexual content and coordinated retaliation by Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settled their lawsuit over the 2024 film *It Ends With Us* in May 2026, weeks before trial.
- Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment during production, alleging retaliation by his company, Wayfarer Studios.
- Baldoni filed a $400m counter-defamation lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and a $250m lawsuit against the *New York Times* in 2024.
- A US District Judge Lewis Liman dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, as well as his lawsuit against the *New York Times*, in June 2025.
- Lively withdrew two claims of emotional distress against Baldoni in June 2025.
- Judge Liman dismissed the majority of Lively’s claims against Baldoni in April 2026, leaving only breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation ahead of trial.
- Both parties issued a joint statement emphasizing their shared goal of raising awareness about domestic violence survivors and committing to workplaces free of improprieties.
- The settlement details were not publicly disclosed by either source.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Lively alleged Baldoni inserted 'improvised gratuitous sexual content' and orchestrated a 'carefully crafted, coordinated and resourced retaliatory scheme to silence her'.
- Baldoni claimed Lively and Reynolds attempted to tarnish his reputation to 'seize control' of the film and included allegations of extortion in his lawsuit.
- The settlement occurred on May 4, 2026, with the joint statement published on Monday.
- The trial was set to begin in New York, with Judge Lewis Liman presiding over the case.
- The settlement was described as ending a 'legal battle' over Lively's claims that Baldoni conspired with publicists to pre-emptively destroy her reputation after her private accusations.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states Baldoni filed a $400m counter-defamation lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, while ABC does not mention this specific figure or lawsuit detail.
Source Articles
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settle lawsuit over acrimonious It Ends With Us production
Settlement details were not revealed in the agreement that put an end to a highly anticipated trial before it began Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have settled their legal dispute from the acrimonious production of their 2024 film It Ends With Us, just weeks before a highly anticipated scheduled trial. In a joint statement on Monday, legal representatives of both parties said: “The end product – the movie It Ends With Us – is a source of pride t
Breaking: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively settle legal battle over It Ends With Us scandal
The pair settle their civil case two weeks before a trial had been set to begin in New York.