Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni's trial date set for March 2026
Share and Follow

It ends in court — next year.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are headed to trial on March 9, 2026 to settle their “It Ends With Us” legal dispute.

Judge Lewis J. Liman set the court date for the case in a legal order that was submitted on Monday, as per court documents acquired by The Post.

Lively, 37, and Baldoni, 41, are suing each other in federal court in New York. Lively filed a $250 million lawsuit against Baldoni last month, alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign. Baldoni, in turn, filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion.

Liman said in Monday’s legal order that he plans to “consolidate” the separate lawsuits. 

The judge also confirmed that a pre-trial hearing will take place on Feb. 3, 2025. Both teams are expected to address Lively’s request that a gag order be placed on Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, at the hearing.

Lively and Baldoni’s trial could be canceled if both sides reach a settlement before March 2026, or postponed if the legalities of the case drag on.

However, both stars seem committed to hashing out their feud in court.

Variety reported that last week, Lively and Reynolds’ legal team requested a hearing “as soon as possible” to address Freedman’s media statements, which prompted the judge to move the pre-trial hearing date up from Feb. 12 to Feb. 3.

The couple have asked Liman to ban Freedman from talking to the press, after he released raw footage from “It Ends With Us” to refute Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Baldoni.

In response, Freedman said in a statement that Baldoni’s team won’t be “bullied” by Lively and Reynolds, 48. Freedman also announced plans to launch a website to further prove Baldoni’s defense in the case.

Lively’s lawsuit is against Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, his producer James Heath, his publicist Jennifer Abel, crisis publicist Melissa Nathan and more. She claimed Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of the movie, and then orchestrated a PR smear campaign against her.

Baldoni, who has denied all of Lively’s claims, countersued the “Gossip Girl” star, Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, and Sloane’s PR firm Vision PR Inc. on various claims including civil extortion, defamation and false light invasion of privacy.

Lively’s legal team called Baldoni’s lawsuit “meritless” and “desperate.”

“Their response to sexual harassment allegations: she wanted it, it’s her fault. Their justification for why this happened to her: look what she was wearing,” Lively’s lawyers said. “In short, while the victim focuses on the abuse, the abuser focuses on the victim. The strategy of attacking the woman is desperate, it does not refute the evidence in Ms. Lively’s complaint, and it will fail.”

Baldoni is also suing the New York Times for $250 million for libel and false light invasion of privacy, after the newspaper released an article detailing Lively’s sexual harassment claims.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Lindsey Graham speaks against pending execution of 26-year-old Iranian protester: 'This regime must fall'

Senator Lindsey Graham Condemns Iran’s Execution Plan for Young Protester, Calls for Regime Change

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has issued a strong call for…
I noticed a bruise on my baby... then came the devastating news

Discovery of Infant’s Bruise Leads to Heartbreaking Diagnosis

A Florida mother grew increasingly concerned after discovering a mysterious bruise on…
Nickelodeon ex-child star's dad says she was run over 'like roadkill'

Former Nickelodeon Star’s Father Claims She Was Treated Unfairly

The father of former Nickelodeon actress Kianna Anderson has opened up about…
Texas couple labeled fake ‘Chip and Joanna Gaines’ admits $5M dream home renovation scam

Texas Duo Unmasked: The $5M Dream Home Renovation Scam That Duped Homeowners

A Texas couple has admitted to federal charges after authorities exposed their…
Dem running California Governor vows to strip ICE driver's licenses

California Governor Candidate Pledges to Revoke ICE Access to Driver’s Licenses

In a bold move during his campaign for California governor, Democratic Congressman…
World-leading relationship expert pinpoints the exact amount of weekly sex couples need to stay connected - and how often they MUST introduce something new to the bedroom

Renowned Expert Reveals Ideal Frequency for Couples to Enhance Relationship Satisfaction

The elusive query on many minds is: How frequently should partners engage…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

Unveiling the Truth: How SoCal Edison’s Alleged Blunders Intensified the Eaton Fire Disaster

ALTADENA, Calif. (AP) — Southern California Edison is taking legal action, targeting…
Trump admin preparing 1,500 soldiers for potential Minnesota deployment: report

Trump Administration Gears Up for Possible Minnesota Military Deployment: 1,500 Troops on Standby

The Trump administration is reportedly gearing up to potentially deploy 1,500 troops…