Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni legal drama: A timeline of allegations, lawsuits, and settlement

The issue began in 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of 'It Ends With Us'

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s ongoing legal dispute, stemming from their work on the 2024 film It Ends With Us, has evolved into one of Hollywood’s most closely watched off-screen controversies, involving allegations of misconduct, defamation claims, and a high-profile courtroom battle that ultimately ended in a settlement in May 2026.

The conflict began in late 2024 when Lively accused Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the film, of sexual harassment and retaliation during production. She also alleged that a coordinated effort was launched to damage her reputation following her complaints. Baldoni denied the allegations and responded with a countersuit, accusing Lively and her representatives of defamation and orchestrating a smear campaign against him.

As the dispute escalated into 2025, both sides filed multiple legal actions involving not only each other but also public relations firms, media outlets, and other Hollywood figures. Several of Baldoni’s claims were eventually dismissed by the court, while parts of Lively’s case were also narrowed or thrown out ahead of trial proceedings.

The case moved toward trial in 2026, with witness lists prepared and legal teams gearing up for a major courtroom confrontation. However, just two weeks before the scheduled trial date, both parties reached a confidential settlement on May 4, 2026, bringing an end to the protracted legal battle.

The settlement followed months of media attention, court filings, and public debate over the nature of workplace conduct and reputational damage in Hollywood. While details of the agreement remain undisclosed, both parties issued statements emphasising a desire to move forward and support safer working environments in the entertainment industry.