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Lively Sues Baldoni for $300 Million, Trial Set 2026

4/30/2026

Summary

Lively Sues Baldoni

A U.S. court set a trial for May 18, 2026, between Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni, with Lively seeking up to $300 million.
Justin Baldoni’s lawyers argue Blake Lively’s claimed losses stem from reputation issues, citing the 2024 Kate Middleton controversy and noting struggles of Betty Buzz beverage brand and Blake Brown hair-care line.
Attorney Amir Kaltgrad calls Blake Lively’s $140 million earnings claim unrealistic, noting she earned $21 million from four movies over eight years.

Summary

Liman Dismisses Claims

Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed ten of actress Blake Lively’s 13 claims, leaving breach of contract, retaliation and aiding-and-abetting retaliation to proceed, and asked parties to confirm that expert witnesses Aron Culotta, Dina Mayzlin and Nicole Alexander are available for the hearing.
Actress Laura Baldoni moved to block testimony from author Colleen Hoover, producer Alex Saks, co-star Isabela Ferrer, scriptwriter Christy Hall, podcaster Liz Plank and director Claire Ayoub.

History

Historical Context

Legal battles over entertainment contracts have long shaped the industry. The 1999 Pepsi Points case affirmed courts’ reluctance to enforce exaggerated promotional offers, while the 2009 murder-linked scandal that halted VH1’s *Megan Wants a Millionaire* highlighted how background-check failures can trigger litigation and network shutdowns. These precedents illustrate why modern talent disputes, such as high-profile profit-share lawsuits, attract close judicial scrutiny.

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Lively Sues Baldoni

A U.S. court set a trial for May 18, 2026, between Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni, with Lively seeking up to $300 million.
Justin Baldoni’s lawyers argue Blake Lively’s claimed losses stem from reputation issues, citing the 2024 Kate Middleton controversy and noting struggles of Betty Buzz beverage brand and Blake Brown hair-care line.
Attorney Amir Kaltgrad calls Blake Lively’s $140 million earnings claim unrealistic, noting she earned $21 million from four movies over eight years.

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