Blake Lively's Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni Continues to Take 'Emotional Toll'

The actress is 'looking forward to her day in court' despite recent setbacks in the case, a source says.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:25pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and cracked leather textures, conceptually representing the emotional and legal challenges faced by public figures engaged in high-profile disputes.The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken an emotional toll, but the actress remains focused on her day in court.NYC Today

Blake Lively's legal battle with her It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni has been 'emotionally taxing' on the actress, a source close to Lively tells PEOPLE. However, Lively remains focused and is 'looking forward to her day in court' when the trial is scheduled to begin on May 18, despite a recent dismissal of several of her claims against Baldoni.

Why it matters

The high-profile legal dispute between the two actors has drawn significant public attention, with Lively alleging misconduct on the set of their film and a retaliatory smear campaign by Baldoni, which he has denied. The case highlights the challenges and emotional toll that can come with pursuing legal action, especially in the entertainment industry.

The details

In December 2024, Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, 42. On April 2, a federal judge dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims, including those related to harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. However, a narrower set of allegations, including breach of contract and retaliation, will proceed to trial. Despite the setback, Lively remains determined to tell her story in court, with her attorney stating that 'the heart of [her] case' will be presented to a jury.

  • In December 2024, Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni.
  • On April 2, 2026, a federal judge dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims against Baldoni.
  • The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18, 2026.

The players

Blake Lively

A 38-year-old actress and producer who has filed a legal complaint against her It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging misconduct on set and a retaliatory smear campaign.

Justin Baldoni

A 42-year-old actor and director who has been named in Lively's legal complaint, which he has denied.

Michael Gottlieb

Lively's attorney, who has reacted to the recent dismissal of several of her claims.

Lewis J. Liman

The federal judge who dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims against Baldoni.

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What they’re saying

“I will never stop doing my part in fighting to expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence and retaliate against victims.”

— Blake Lively

What’s next

The trial between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is scheduled to begin on May 18, 2026 in New York.

The takeaway

This case highlights the emotional and legal challenges that can arise when public figures pursue legal action, especially in the entertainment industry. Despite setbacks, Lively remains determined to have her day in court and continue her fight to expose what she alleges are harmful systems and people.