Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Reject Mediation, Say Settlement Talks Would Be 'Premature'

Mar. 15, 2025

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.Photo:Gotham/WireImage (2)

Gotham/WireImage (2)

BothBlake LivelyandJustin Baldonihave opted out of mediation, setting the stage for a potential courtroom showdown.

In a letter filed Thursday, Feb. 13, in New York federal court, attorneys for both sides argued that engaging in settlement talks at this stage would be “inappropriate” and “premature,” indicating that the case may ultimately go to trial.

Lively’s attorneys Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson issued a statement Feb. 12 saying thatseeking subpoenas for Baldoni’s phone recordswill “expose the people, tactics and methods that have worked to ‘destroy’ and ‘bury’ [Lively’s] reputation and family over the past year.”

Earlier in the month, both legal teams appeared at a pre-trial conference to discuss Lively’s prospective request for a gag order. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman cautioned both parties against litigating through the press, warning that excessive media coverage could lead to an earlier trial date, currently set forMarch 9, 2026.

Liman also reminded both legal teams to follow New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibits attorneys from making statements that could unfairly influence a jury. However, the judge declined to sanction Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman despite claims from Lively’s team that he made inflammatory public statements attacking the actress.

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of “It Ends with Us” on January 12, 2024 in Jersey City, New Jersey.Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The legal dispute between theIt Ends With Uscostars began in December 2024, when Lively, 37, filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, 41, accusing him of misconduct during the film’s production. She also alleged that Baldoni and his associates engaged in a retaliatory smear campaign designed to “destroy” her reputation — claims Baldoni has denied.

In January,Baldoni countersued Lively for $400 million, naming her husbandRyan Reynoldsand their publicist Leslie Sloane in a lawsuit that includes claims of extortion and defamation, among other allegations.

Days after filing his countersuit, Baldoni’s legal team announced plans to launch a website “containing all correspondence as well as relevant videos that quash [Lively’s] claims.”

Blake Lively; Justin Baldoni.Katie Jones/Beauty Inc via Getty; Araya Doheny/Variety via Getty

Katie Jones/Beauty Inc via Getty; Araya Doheny/Variety via Getty

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Lively’s attorneys responded with a prospective request for a gag order to prevent Baldoni from publicizing evidence, including leaked video from theIt Ends With Usset and statements from his legal team. During a pre-trial hearing in early February, the judge reiterated his warning against arguing the case in public.

On Jan. 31, Baldoni followed through on his plan, launching a website titled “Lawsuit Info,” which links to his amended court filing. The one-page site includes buttons directing visitors to legal documents related to his ongoing battle with Lively.

source: people.com