Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Shut Down Settlement Rumors as Their Legal Fight Heads Toward Trial

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s ongoing legal battle is taking a new turn every day. Yesterday, it was reported that Blake’s once-close friend, Taylor Swift, was reportedly relieved by her legal setback and wanted “nothing to do with the case” ahead of her wedding. And now, according to Page Six, the actress and Baldoni have denied that settlement talks were taking place.

The It Ends With Us co-stars had a meeting with a judge to settle their highly publicized legal fight, but both declined the offer, as reported by The Daily Mail. The two are set to face each other in court in May. The ongoing legal battle comes after Blake Lively alleged s----- harassment on the film’s set.

The settlement could have been their last chance to finish the case, but neither Justin Baldoni nor Blake Lively is ready to give up. The judge called for separate meetings with the lawyers of the actors, to see if either side was willing to reconsider and wanted to wrap it up. However, the lawyers stated otherwise.

Out of the 13 claims Blake Lively made, most of her claims were dismissed. The judge dismissed the sexual harassment claims stating that Blake had so much power on the movie and was more like a boss than an employee. Out of the 13 claims, 10 have already been rejected, with 3 left to go. Blake Lively is not ready to back down and is doing everything to prove the three claims, which are “breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation”.

Since the duo refused the last minute settlement, a jury will hear these claims in May. Justin Baldoni’s legal team celebrated the victory in the case and said, “We are very pleased the Court dismissed all the sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants. These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.”

Blake Lively also took to Instagram and addressed the court ruling. She wrote, “The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continued to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.”

Lively also mentioned that she will share her full story in the next trial. She shared important details from the court’s ruling on Instagram and showed proof that Justin Baldoni’s team was trying to make her look bad. She also mentioned that there is enough evidence of her being treated poorly and, therefore, the judge will talk about these claims in the next hearing.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s case first started in December 2024 after she accused him of harassment on the sets of their movie It Ends With Us. The same month, Lively filed a lawsuit against him.

Baldoni refused the allegations levelled against him and responded with a $400 million lawsuit against her and Ryan Reynolds.