Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni fail to settle as trial looms

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni failed to reach a settlement, with the case now likely heading to trial

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have failed to reach a settlement in their high profile legal battle, following a full day of court mandated mediation in federal court in New York.

The former It Ends With Us co stars arrived separately at the courthouse on Friday morning and spent hours on the 14th floor in discussions overseen by Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. Despite the lengthy session, no agreement was reached by the end of the day. Both actors exited the building without addressing reporters waiting outside.

Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, confirmed to members of the press that mediation did not result in a deal. While he acknowledged that a settlement could still technically happen, he indicated that the matter is now likely to proceed to trial. Asked directly whether he believed the case would go before a jury, Freedman said, “I do. We’re looking forward to it.”

Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging misconduct during the production of It Ends With Us. She has also accused him of coordinating with publicists to orchestrate a smear campaign against her after she raised concerns about his behaviour on set. Baldoni has denied the allegations.

The case is currently scheduled to go to trial on May 18. Ahead of that date, Judge Lewis Liman is considering whether to dismiss or narrow parts of Lively’s complaint. Baldoni’s legal team has argued in a summary judgment motion that the claims amount to minor grievances that do not meet the legal threshold for harassment.

Lively’s representatives have countered that the allegations are serious and should be evaluated by a jury. They have also pointed to claims that other actors involved in the production had concerns about Baldoni’s conduct, reinforcing their position that the case warrants a full trial.

Court ordered mediation is a routine step in federal civil proceedings, often used in an attempt to resolve disputes before trial. In this instance, however, there were few outward signs that either party expected a breakthrough.

With no settlement reached, attention now turns to the courtroom. Unless both sides return to the negotiating table in the coming weeks, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni appear set for a public legal showdown that could bring further scrutiny to the production of It Ends With Us and the allegations surrounding it.