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- Settlement stops trial with little public detail
- How the courtroom drama played out in February
- What accusations were made and how claims were narrowed
- Private texts and emails surfaced in court filings
- Celebrity fallout and witness moves
- Timeline: key moments in the dispute
- Statements from both sides and the tone moving forward
The long-running court clash between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over the 2024 film It Ends With Us has reached a quiet end, as both sides agreed to settle days before a scheduled trial. The move comes after months of filings, a narrowed list of claims, and the public release of private messages that drew celebrity attention.
Settlement stops trial with little public detail
Attorneys for Lively and Baldoni announced a settlement on Monday. The agreement came roughly two weeks before the case was to begin on May 18.
Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni settle It Ends With Us dispute: two weeks before trial
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Neither side provided a full accounting of the terms. In a joint statement, they praised the film and said they hoped the resolution would allow people to move forward.
Both parties expressed support for survivors and said they wanted workplaces free of misconduct. They also urged respectful behavior online.
How the courtroom drama played out in February
The two actors appeared at a Manhattan federal courthouse in mid-February for a final chance to negotiate.
Judge Sarah L. Cave presided over the closed-door session. Lively arrived alone. Baldoni entered with his wife, Emily Baldoni.
Outside, reporters noted both celebs smiled but said little. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, told media that the settlement talks that day had been unsuccessful, though he left open the possibility of future talks.
What accusations were made and how claims were narrowed
Origins of the dispute
Lively filed suit in December 2024, asserting misconduct on the set of the film. Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a countersuit the next month.
His countersuit sought $400 million and named Lively, her husband, and their publicist. That countersuit was dismissed the following year.
Judge cuts most claims but allows three to continue
A federal judge later tossed the majority of Lively’s claims. Of 13 counts, 10 were dismissed.
Three claims survived and remained active: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation.
Private texts and emails surfaced in court filings
Unsealed deposition materials revealed private messages and emails shared by Lively.
Those exchanges included pleas to other actors to view a cut of the movie and private commentary about the litigation.
Messages between Lively and prominent celebrities drew public attention when they were released.
Celebrity fallout and witness moves
- Justin Baldoni issued a subpoena for one celebrity to appear as a witness last summer.
- The subpoena was withdrawn later that month.
- Reports said the subpoena and surrounding publicity strained some friendships.
One pop star cited in the messages reportedly paused contact with Lively amid the dispute.
Timeline: key moments in the dispute
- December 2024 — Lively files suit alleging misconduct on set.
- January 2025 — Baldoni countersues for $400 million; he denies wrongdoing.
- February 2026 — Both attend a court-ordered settlement conference in Manhattan.
- March 2026 — Major portions of Lively’s complaint are dismissed by a judge.
- May 2026 — Parties reach a settlement shortly before a scheduled trial.
Statements from both sides and the tone moving forward
In their joint message, the parties said the film was meaningful to the cast and crew. They emphasized a shared desire to raise awareness about domestic violence and to support survivors.
Both reiterated commitments to professional conduct and expressed hope the settlement would allow those involved to move on constructively.
