Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Fail to Reach Settlement in Federal Court

The high-profile lawsuit over alleged sexual harassment remains on track for trial in May.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni appeared in Manhattan federal court for a required settlement conference related to Lively's $160 million lawsuit over alleged sexual harassment during the filming of "It Ends With Us". After six hours of private discussions, the parties were unable to reach an agreement, and the case will now proceed to trial on May 18.

Why it matters

The ongoing legal battle between the two actors has drawn widespread attention across the entertainment industry, with unsealed court filings revealing private messages and communications involving several high-profile figures who may have relevant knowledge about the case.

The details

Lively filed the lawsuit in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of inappropriate conduct on set and alleging that he worked with a crisis communications consultant to damage her reputation after she raised concerns. Baldoni has denied the allegations and previously countersued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, claiming defamation and extortion, but that countersuit was dismissed last June.

  • The settlement conference took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18, 2026.

The players

Blake Lively

An American actress who filed a $160 million lawsuit against Justin Baldoni over alleged sexual harassment during the filming of "It Ends With Us".

Justin Baldoni

An American actor who has been accused of inappropriate conduct on set and working with a crisis communications consultant to damage Lively's reputation after she raised concerns.

Bryan Freedman

Baldoni's attorney who confirmed that the settlement discussions did not result in an agreement.

Judge Lewis J. Liman

The judge who dismissed Baldoni's countersuit against Lively and Reynolds last June.

Ryan Reynolds

Lively's husband, who has been publicly supportive of her fight for a safe workplace.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The discussions did not result in a settlement.”

— Bryan Freedman, Baldoni's attorney

“I believe I wasn't angry enough while supporting my wife's fight for what she describes as a safe workplace free of harassment and retaliation.”

— Ryan Reynolds

What’s next

With no agreement reached, the case remains on track for trial to begin on May 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The high-profile legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues to unfold, with the case now set to go to trial in May 2026. The dispute has drawn widespread attention in the entertainment industry, with unsealed court filings revealing private communications involving several public figures.