American Actress Blake Lively Faces Former Director Justin Baldoni in Court
The legal battle between American actress Blake Lively and her former director and co-star Justin Baldoni has taken a new turn as they met in federal court for the first time. Lively has accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her during the tense production of their film “It Ends with Us,” sparking a heated social media debate.
Despite neither Lively nor Baldoni attending the pre-trial session in New York, Judge Lewis Liman advised their lawyers to avoid making public statements that could influence the case’s outcome.
The trial is scheduled for March 2026, with Judge Liman reserving the right to expedite proceedings if either party attempts to litigate through the media.
During the court proceedings, both Lively’s and Baldoni’s legal representatives emphasized the emotional and financial toll the lawsuit has taken on their clients.
Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni, stated, “My clients have suffered significant financial and emotional distress, with damages amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. They are eager for a swift resolution for the sake of their future livelihood.”
Lively’s lawyer, Michael Gottlieb, described the “retaliation campaign” by Baldoni’s team as “devastating” for his client, urging both parties to refrain from attacking each other’s character.
Gottlieb announced plans to file an amended lawsuit with additional allegations and defendants by February 14, signaling a more intense legal battle ahead.
In a joint statement, Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, another of Lively’s attorneys, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision to enforce legal boundaries and affirmed their commitment to moving forward with discovery.
“We believe that Ms. Lively will prevail in this case once all evidence is presented, holding the defendants accountable for their actions,” the statement read.
The legal saga began when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation, prompting a civil lawsuit shortly after her initial complaint to the California Civil Rights Department in December.
Justin Baldoni, known for his work as a writer, director, and advocate for gender equality, has vehemently denied Lively’s allegations. In a surprising twist, Baldoni filed a lawsuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, alleging slander, invasion of privacy, and civil extortion.
