Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Fail to Settle Dispute

Judge signals May 18 trial likely in high-profile dispute between "It Ends With Us" co-stars

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, co-stars of the film "It Ends With Us", spent six hours in a mediation session on Wednesday in a Manhattan courthouse but were unable to reach a settlement in their ongoing dispute. Lively had filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment, creating an unsafe work environment, and using a crisis PR firm to orchestrate a misogynistic smear campaign against her after the film's troubled press tour. Baldoni has denied the allegations and countersued Lively for $400 million, claiming defamation and extortion. The case appears headed for a May 18 trial, though negotiations could resume.

Why it matters

This high-profile dispute between the co-stars of a major film production has spilled into the public view, with hundreds of filings and unsealed messages revealing a feud that has drawn in the couple's famous friends and colleagues. The potential star-studded trial could further expose the inner workings of the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by actors, especially women, in navigating complex power dynamics on set.

The details

During the mediation session, Lively arrived solo while Baldoni was accompanied by his wife. Their lawyers worked in separate rooms, but no deal was reached. Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, stated that the case appears headed for a May 18 trial, though negotiations could theoretically resume. Neither Lively nor Baldoni spoke to reporters after the courthouse negotiations, with Lively looking stern and Baldoni smiling as they left.

  • The mediation session took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • Lively filed the lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024.
  • A judge dismissed Baldoni's lawsuits against the New York Times for defamation in June of last year.

The players

Blake Lively

An American actress who co-starred with Justin Baldoni in the film "It Ends With Us".

Justin Baldoni

An American actor who co-starred with Blake Lively in the film "It Ends With Us" and has countersued Lively for $400 million, claiming defamation and extortion.

Bryan Freedman

The attorney representing Justin Baldoni in the dispute with Blake Lively.

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What they’re saying

“The case appears headed for a May 18 trial, though negotiations could, in theory, resume.”

— Bryan Freedman, Baldoni's attorney (Rolling Stone)

What’s next

The judge has signaled that the case is likely headed for a trial on May 18, 2026, though the possibility of further negotiations remains.

The takeaway

This high-profile dispute between the co-stars of a major film production has exposed the complex power dynamics and challenges that can arise in the entertainment industry, particularly for women. The potential star-studded trial could shed further light on these issues and the inner workings of the industry.