Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni reach unexpected settlement in Hollywood case

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settle It Ends With Us lawsuit, ending case before the upcoming trial begins

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a settlement in the civil lawsuit connected to their 2024 film It Ends With Us, bringing an end to a high-profile Hollywood legal battle.

Lively had accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and of coordinating a smear campaign against her following the release of the romantic drama, which he also directed. The claims were filed months after the film’s debut and quickly escalated into one of the most closely watched entertainment disputes.

A judge previously dismissed most of Lively’s claims, including sexual harassment, but allowed three allegations to proceed: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation. The case had been scheduled to go to trial in New York later this month.

That trial will no longer take place after both parties agreed to a settlement. Terms of the agreement have not been publicly disclosed.

Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios had countersued Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation and extortion. That lawsuit was dismissed by a judge last year.

The dispute drew widespread attention in Hollywood, with leaked messages and private communications involving high-profile figures, including Taylor Swift, intensifying public interest in the case.

It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, explores a relationship that begins romantically before revealing darker themes of domestic abuse.

Lively, known for Gossip Girl, and Baldoni, known for Jane the Virgin, have not issued public comments following the settlement.