A judge has officially scheduled Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle for March 9, 2026. The lawsuit, which has captivated Hollywood and sparked widespread media attention, stems from serious allegations made by both parties regarding their work on the 2024 film It Ends With Us.
Lively, best known for her role in Gossip Girl, initially filed her lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. She also alleged that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her, hiring a crisis PR expert to tarnish her reputation in an effort to protect his own. The accusations quickly made headlines, fueling intense discussions about workplace harassment in the entertainment industry.
Baldoni, however, did not remain silent. The actor and director countered Lively’s claims by filing his own lawsuit, seeking $400 million in damages. He alleged that Lively was the one who engaged in a smear campaign against him and even accused her of attempting to hijack his role as director of the film. As a result, Judge Lewis J. Liman has consolidated both lawsuits, ensuring that both sides will present their arguments in a single trial.
In addition to setting the March 2026 trial date, the court also scheduled a pre-trial conference for February 3, 2025. This meeting will address Lively’s previous request for a gag order against Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman. The actress’ legal team has accused Freedman of improper conduct and has sought to limit his ability to discuss the case publicly. Freedman, however, has denied any wrongdoing.
Baldoni is also involved in a separate legal dispute with The New York Times. The filmmaker filed a libel lawsuit against the publication, challenging its reporting on Lively’s allegations. In response, The New York Times issued a statement defending its journalism, asserting that its article was “meticulously and responsibly reported.” The newspaper further stated that it reviewed thousands of pages of original documents, including text messages and emails, which were quoted accurately and extensively in the piece. The publication has vowed to “vigorously defend against the lawsuit.”
Lively’s legal team has remained firm in their stance, dismissing Baldoni’s lawsuit as an attempt to shift blame. Her attorneys released a statement on January 16, describing Baldoni’s counterclaims as a classic case of DARVO—Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender. They emphasized that Lively presented concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation, only for Baldoni to retaliate with a lawsuit of his own.
For his part, Baldoni has vehemently denied all accusations. In a December statement issued to E! News through his attorney, Freedman, he called Lively’s claims “completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” He further argued that the allegations were designed to inflict public harm and manipulate media narratives.
As the legal battle between the two stars intensifies, it continues to raise important questions about power dynamics in Hollywood. The entertainment industry has witnessed numerous high-profile cases in recent years, as more individuals come forward with allegations of misconduct. This trial’s outcome could significantly impact future handling of similar cases.
Both Lively and Baldoni have significant public followings, and their legal dispute has divided fans and industry insiders alike. Supporters of Lively argue that her willingness to speak out against harassment is commendable, while Baldoni’s defenders insist that he is being unfairly targeted. Major media outlets expect to closely watch the trial, covering every development, regardless of the verdict.
As the countdown to March 2026 begins, all eyes remain on the courtroom battle between two Hollywood figures whose on-screen collaboration has now turned into a real-life legal showdown. With allegations of harassment, smear campaigns, and defamation at the center of the dispute, the case is set to be one of the most talked-about legal battles in the entertainment world in the coming years.
