Is Blake Lively’s settlement with Justin Baldoni really final? New filings say otherwise
Photo: Reuters
Public court filings have revealed new details regarding the settlement agreement between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, stemming from her allegations of misconduct during the production of It Ends With Us.
The parties formally submitted paperwork to withdraw the case on Thursday morning, following a reported agreement reached on Monday. Lively’s legal team characterized the resolution as a “resounding victory.” The dispute, which unfolded over nearly a year and a half, centered on Lively’s claims of sexual harassment and a subsequent retaliatory smear campaign allegedly orchestrated by Baldoni.
While the core lawsuit has been dismissed, the publicly available settlement documents indicate that one significant issue remains unresolved. Lively is currently awaiting a judge’s decision on whether Baldoni should be held responsible for paying her attorney fees, as well as additional punitive damages. The court has not yet announced a timeline for that ruling.
Despite the settlement, Blake Lively is still trying to get attorneys’ fees, compensatory damages and punitive damages. All because she went evil villain with Ryan Reynolds and tried to take down Justin Baldoni and steal his movie through any means necessary. You can’t make this… pic.twitter.com/R8NKWOzvYF
Baldoni has consistently denied all allegations of harassment and retaliation. His representatives have not issued a detailed public statement on the latest filings beyond acknowledging the mutual withdrawal of claims.
The case has drawn intense media scrutiny, highlighting broader conversations about accountability and legal strategy in Hollywood workplace disputes. Both actors had previously faced off in a series of dueling lawsuits and public statements, with Lively’s initial complaint sparking widespread industry discussion.
BREAKING 🚨🚨 Settement was reached EXCEPT Blake LIVELY wants attorney fees under 47.1 After all that she wants them to pay HER ? I'm starting to think this should have gone to trail . I Hope the Judge shuts this down https://t.co/tTYseB22F9 pic.twitter.com/Kx5V3ErPBF
— CJ·Celebrity Dockets (@CelebDockets) May 7, 2026🚨BLAKE LIVELY/JUSTIN BALDONI... It May Not Be Over???
New court filings show Lively is STILL pursuing attorneys’ fees, punitive damages, and triple damages under California law, arguing Baldoni and the Wayfarer parties filed a retaliatory lawsuit against her after she complained… pic.twitter.com/Xs5oR8hY1H— Lauren Conlin (@conlin_lauren) May 7, 2026
As the legal proceedings wind down, all parties now await the judge’s separate decision on financial penalties. Legal analysts note that the outstanding ruling on fees and damages could significantly impact the final financial outcome of the settlement, even as the primary claims have been withdrawn.