Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Are Going To Court

The upcoming legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni now has a court date: March 9, 2026. This high-profile case has garnered significant media attention due to the serious allegations exchanged between the two stars, who worked together on the film It Ends With Us. While the trial is more than a year off, the details surrounding their lawsuits continue to come out, offering a complex web of accusations, counterclaims, and public relations maneuvers.

Background of the Lawsuits

Blake Lively, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and A Simple Favor, filed her first lawsuit against Justin Baldoni in December 2024. She accused him of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us, claiming that he engaged in a campaign of "social manipulation" against her after she spoke up about his alleged inappropriate behavior on set. The accusations include claims that Baldoni made unwelcome comments and gestures during filming, particularly during a scene where their characters were supposed to perform a slow dance.

In response to Lively's allegations, Baldoni has countersued for a staggering $400 million, claiming defamation and loss of future income. His lawsuit alleges that Lively orchestrated a smear campaign against him to hijack the film's promotion and damage his reputation. This counterclaim adds an additional layer of complexity to an already convoluted situation.

Details of the Allegations

Lively's initial lawsuit outlines incidents where she felt uncomfortable due to Baldoni's behavior on set. She alleges that after she reported these incidents, Baldoni retaliated by working with a crisis PR team to undermine her credibility. In her second lawsuit filed earlier this month, she reiterated claims of inappropriate conduct by Baldoni during filming.

Baldoni’s legal team has responded vigorously, asserting that Lively’s claims are unfounded and part of a larger strategy to control the narrative surrounding It Ends With Us. They argue that her allegations are not only false but also damaging to his career.

The Legal Proceedings Ahead

Judge Lewis J. Liman has set March 9, 2026, as the trial date. Prior to this date, a pre-trial hearing is scheduled for February 3, where Lively's attorneys are expected to request a gag order aimed at limiting public statements from Baldoni's legal team.

Legal expert Gregory Doll has weighed in on whether this trial will be televised. He notes that because it is being held in federal court, there will likely be no cameras present during proceedings. Federal court rules generally prohibit broadcasting civil or criminal trials for public dissemination.

The Emotional Toll and Public Interest

As both parties prepare for what promises to be an emotionally charged trial, experts suggest that there is still a high likelihood of settlement before it reaches court (approximately 92% of civil cases settle before trial). However, given the emotional stakes involved — especially with both parties being prominent figures in Hollywood — this case could become one of those rare exceptions where both sides choose to litigate publicly.

Recently leaked text messages have added fuel to this fire, with Baldoni claiming these communications demonstrate how he has been defamed by Lively’s allegations. In these messages, he expresses concern about how narratives are being shaped around their interactions on set. Meanwhile, Lively’s lawyers have characterized Baldoni's countersuit as typical behavior from abusers attempting to discredit victims who come forward with allegations.

What it can tell us is that leading up to March 2026, it is clear that this legal battle will continue to unfold under intense scrutiny from both media and fans alike.