Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Legal Drama Heads to Trial: Settlement Unlikely

The legal fracas between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is showing no signs of simmering down as both sides prepare for a courtroom showdown. Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, recently admitted on Matthew Belloni’s podcast, The Town, that a settlement seems far from likely, despite the escalating intensity of the case.

Freedman, a high-profile litigator, emphasized the toll this controversy has taken on Baldoni, saying his client has been “destroyed” by the allegations. “This is a really serious thing, and in this day and age, the only way that you can truly get back is to prove your innocence,” he stated. According to Freedman, a trial may be the only path forward to clear Baldoni’s name.

The allegations against Baldoni were first detailed in a complaint filed by Lively with the California Civil Rights Department in December 2024 and later in federal court. Lively accused Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath of sexual harassment, retaliation, emotional distress, and negligence, among other claims. The stakes were raised even higher when Baldoni filed a $250 million defamation suit against the New York Times, followed by a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, accusing the power couple of attempting to hijack the film It Ends With Us.

Adding fuel to the fire, Baldoni’s team released unedited footage from the movie set, claiming it supports his defense. Lively’s legal team wasn’t having it, demanding a gag order to restrict Baldoni’s lawyer from sharing further information.

Judge Lewis Liman recently weighed in, approving a modified protective order aimed at safeguarding sensitive information during discovery. He noted the risk of “gossip” spreading among both parties, stating, “Discovery will necessarily include confidential and sensitive business and personal information. The risk of disclosure is great.”

With a trial date set for March 2026, it’s clear this case is far from resolved. Both sides appear entrenched in their positions, ready to battle it out in court.

While the circus-like atmosphere surrounding this legal drama might make for compelling headlines, Freedman insists this isn’t just a spectacle. “This is not a circus when you go through an experience like this,” he said firmly.

For now, the legal skirmish continues, and Hollywood waits to see how this high-stakes showdown unfolds. One thing’s for sure—this is a blockbuster that won’t hit theaters anytime soon.