Full Breakdown
Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: Civil Trial Over Retaliation Claims in “It Ends With Us”
4/29/2026, 12:21:59 PM
Trial Set for May 2026 Over Retaliation Claims
Lawyers for actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will appear before U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in Manhattan federal court on April 28, 2026 for a final pre-trial hearing. Jury selection is scheduled to begin May 18, 2026, and the civil trial will focus on Lively’s retaliation claims against Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, after a judge dismissed her sexual-harassment allegations.
Background & Context
Lively filed a lawsuit in December 2024 alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, defamation, invasion of privacy, and civil-rights violations arising from the 2024 film “It Ends With Us.” Judge Liman’s April 2 ruling threw out the harassment claims, leaving three claims to proceed: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding-and-abetting retaliation. Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit was dismissed in June 2025. The dispute has generated extensive media coverage and involves claims of a coordinated online smear campaign.
Key Figures & Groups
- Blake Lively – Actress, plaintiff, owner of hair-care line Blake Brown and beverage brand Betty Booze.
- Justin Baldoni – Director, co-star, and owner of Wayfarer Studios, defendant.
- Wayfarer Studios – Production company accused of retaliatory actions.
- Lewis Liman – U.S. District Judge overseeing the case.
- Legal counsel – Naeun Rim (Lively), Amir Kaltgrad and Fabien Thayamballi (Baldoni/Wayfarer).
- Potential witnesses – Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Swift, author Colleen Hoover, among others.
Timeline
- Dec 2024 – Lively files complaint with California Civil Rights Department and New York federal court.
- Apr 2, 2025 – Judge Liman dismisses sexual-harassment claims.
- Jun 2025 – Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit dismissed.
- Aug 2024 – Film premieres; Baldoni absent from red carpet.
- Apr 28, 2026 – Final pre-trial hearing on expert testimony and evidence.
- May 18, 2026 – Jury selection begins; trial to follow.
Data & Statistics
- Lively’s team seeks damages ranging from $39 million to $143 million, citing lost earnings from Blake Brown, Betty Booze, and a missed $35 million sequel opportunity.
- An expert report estimates up to $230 million in lost earnings and $40 million in reputational harm.
- Baldoni’s countersuit sought $400 million; Lively’s later filing listed $500 million in damages.
- Lively’s total earnings from four films over eight years are reported at roughly $21 million.
Why It Matters
The case illustrates how alleged workplace misconduct can evolve into high-stakes commercial litigation involving celebrity brands, PR strategies, and potential precedent for retaliation claims in the entertainment industry. The involvement of high-profile figures amplifies public scrutiny of legal tactics and evidentiary standards.
Official Statements & Responses
Lively’s attorney Naeun Rim argued that Wayfarer’s alleged smear campaign erased years of investment in her businesses and caused the loss of a lucrative sequel. Baldoni’s counsel Amir Kaltgrad labeled the projected damages “speculative” and “pie-in-the-sky,” noting Lively’s brands have underperformed. Judge Liman confirmed the case now proceeds on three retaliation-related claims and scheduled a hearing on expert witnesses for the following week. Wayfarer lawyer Fabien Thayamballi described the loss figures as unrealistic.
Criticism & Opposition
Baldoni’s team repeatedly challenged the methodology of Lively’s expert reports, calling the monetary estimates “pie-in-the-sky” and asserting that no evidence links the alleged losses directly to the defendants’ actions. The defense also sought to block testimony from film collaborators, including author Colleen Hoover and producer Alex Saks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total damages sought: figures range from $39 million-$143 million, $230 million, $500 million, to the dismissed $400 million countersuit. No final ruling has been issued on the admissibility of expert testimony, and the precise scope of the “smear campaign” remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Defendants specifically targeted her for promoting her haircare line,” — Naeun Rim, attorney for Blake Lively
- “Ms. Lively has a track record of brands that have not succeeded,” — Amir Kaltgrad, attorney for Justin Baldoni
- “him of control over the film and had destroyed his reputation. Lively's lawyers denied the allegations and called Baldoni's suit” — Lively’s legal team
What’s Next
Judge Liman will hold a hearing next week to evaluate the contested expert witnesses—Aron Culotta, Dina Mayzlin, and Nicole Alexander. After that, the court will finalize the evidentiary roster and set a trial schedule, with the case expected to proceed through the summer of 2026.
