Blake Lively, best known for her roles in 'Gossip Girl' and films like 'The Town' and 'The Shallows', is taking her co-star and director Justin Baldoni to trial. The two collaborated on 'It Ends With Us', an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's best-selling 2016 novel. After nearly 18 months of legal disputes, Lively's civil case against Baldoni's production company is set to begin on May 18 in New York.
Blake Lively's Lawsuit
According to Sky News, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a targeted smear campaign. While the sexual harassment claims were dismissed, the case now centers on retaliation claims against Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer. Both Lively and Baldoni are expected to testify during the trial.
Origins of the Conflict
Lively and Baldoni starred together in 'It Ends With Us', a film exploring themes of domestic violence and emotional abuse, which Baldoni also directed. The release was overshadowed by reports of discord on set. The two did not promote the film together, sparking online speculation about a rift between them.
Justin Baldoni's Counter-Cases
Justin Baldoni countersued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. He sought at least $400 million in damages. However, a New York district court judge dismissed his case against Lively in June 2025, ruling that allegations in a legal complaint are exempt from libel claims.
Role of Taylor Swift
In January, messages and emails exchanged by Lively, including conversations with longtime friend Taylor Swift, were made public in legal filings by Baldoni's lawyers. The messages discussed using Swift's song 'My Tears Ricochet' in the 'It Ends With Us' trailer. Baldoni's legal team argued that these messages showed Lively strategically manipulating his public image by leveraging connections with powerful friends. Lively's attorney stated that she did everything possible to protect her friends from being drawn into the case.
The Upcoming Trial
The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18, with both Lively and Baldoni expected to testify. The case will be heard in federal court, where cameras are not permitted, so the trial is unlikely to be televised. Lively is seeking compensatory damages between $142 million and $297 million. Baldoni's lawyers contend that any public relations efforts around the film's release were reasonable defensive measures and not actionable as retaliation.
