A New York judge has set a trial date for March 9, 2026, in a high-profile legal battle between actress Blake Lively and her co-star and director Justin Baldoni, stemming from their collaboration on the film “It Ends With Us.” This decision comes as the public feud between the two continues to escalate, with both parties exchanging accusations and legal filings that have captured the attention of fans and media alike.
The judge, Lewis J. Liman, also moved an initial conference from mid-February to next week, indicating the urgency of addressing the ongoing disputes. In a recent filing, Lively’s legal team accused Baldoni’s attorney of attempting to influence potential jurors through a campaign of pretrial publicity that could jeopardize the fairness of the trial. They claimed that Baldoni’s attorney was trying to damage Lively’s reputation by releasing selective documents and communications that could sway public opinion against her.
Lively’s lawyers expressed their concerns in a statement, asserting that Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, was engaging in an “extrajudicial campaign” that risks tainting the jury pool. They emphasized the need for this “endless stream of defamatory and extrajudicial media statements” to cease, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on the legal proceedings.
In response, Freedman dismissed Lively’s claims, suggesting that her fear of the truth was driving her attempts to silence the facts. He stated that Baldoni’s team would not be intimidated and would continue to defend their client with “pure, unedited facts.” This back-and-forth exchange underscores the contentious nature of the legal battle, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.
The feud has taken a new turn with Lively filing a separate request in a Texas court for a deposition of Jed Wallace, a crisis management specialist she alleges played a significant role in manipulating online sentiment against her during the film’s release. Lively claims that Wallace’s firm, Street Relations, was responsible for creating and disseminating disparaging content on social media platforms, which contributed to the negative public perception surrounding her.
In her federal lawsuit filed in New York, Lively accuses Baldoni and his production company of sexual harassment and damaging her reputation, seeking unspecified damages. Baldoni, in turn, has filed his own lawsuit, alleging defamation and extortion against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, and is seeking a staggering $400 million in damages.
The judge indicated that he would likely combine the lawsuits for trial, which could further complicate the already intricate legal landscape. The public’s interest in this case is heightened by the film’s success; “It Ends With Us,” an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was released in August and exceeded box office expectations with a $50 million debut. However, the film’s release was overshadowed by speculation regarding the discord between Lively and Baldoni, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.
Both Lively and Baldoni are well-known figures in the entertainment industry, with Lively gaining fame from her roles in “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Gossip Girl,” while Baldoni is recognized for his work in “Jane the Virgin” and his directorial efforts. Their public feud not only highlights the complexities of celebrity relationships but also raises questions about the impact of social media and public perception in the age of digital communication.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the entertainment world watches closely, eager to see how this high-stakes drama will play out in the courtroom and beyond. The implications of this case extend beyond the personal grievances of the actors, touching on broader themes of reputation, accountability, and the power dynamics within the film industry. With a trial date set for 2026, the saga of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is far from over, and the public remains captivated by the twists and turns of this unfolding narrative.
