Full Breakdown
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Settle “It Ends With Us” Legal Dispute
5/7/2026, 7:53:53 PM
Settlement Details
On May 4 2026, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni filed a settlement notice in the Southern District of New York that withdrew the lawsuit over *It Ends With Us*. The filing says no cash changed hands, but Lively may still seek attorney-fees, treble and punitive damages under California Civil Code § 47.1 for Baldoni’s dismissed defamation counter-claim. Both parties waived any right to appeal pending rulings.
Background
Lively sued Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment, a retaliatory smear campaign, and other misconduct. Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation countersuit. In April 2025, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed ten of the thirteen claims, leaving three—breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding/abetting retaliation—to go to trial on May 18, 2026.
Legal Figures & Claims
Key parties are actress-producer Blake Lively, director-actor Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath, Lively’s lawyers Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, and Baldoni’s counsel Bryan Freedman. The remaining claims focus on breach of contract, retaliation and alleged aiding/abetting; Lively seeks statutory damages for the dismissed defamation suit.
Data & Statistics
The complaint listed 13 claims; 10 were dismissed, leaving three. The trial was slated for six to eight weeks. *It Ends With Us* earned $350 million worldwide on a $35 million budget. Lively’s claimed losses range $39–$143 million; Baldoni’s countersuit sought $400 million. No settlement payment was disclosed.
Official Statements & Responses
Lively’s lawyers called the settlement a “resounding victory” and said the defendants now face personal liability for alleged intimidation. Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman described his client as “ecstatic” and “very pleased.” A joint statement praised the film, reaffirmed support for domestic-violence survivors, and expressed hope for constructive closure.
Criticism & Opposition
Actor Adam Mondschein, who appeared in the film, said Lively “hurt my friend” and voiced sympathy for Baldoni, calling the situation “inexplicable.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on whether any money changed hands; most note the settlement is confidential but emphasize Lively’s pending motion for fees and damages. The court’s timeline for ruling on that motion is undisclosed, and loss estimates vary across sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This settlement is a resounding victory for Blake Lively.” — Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson
- “By agreeing to this settlement, and waiving their right to appeal, Justin Baldoni and every individual defendant now face personal liability for abusing the legal system to silence and intimidate Ms. Lively. And by admitting that Ms. Lively’s concerns ‘deserved to be heard,’ the defendants have ended once and for all the fiction that Ms. Lively ‘fabricated’ claims of sexual harassment and retaliation.” — Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson
- “We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments.” — Joint statement
- “ecstatic” — Bryan Freedman, representing Justin Baldoni
What’s Next
Lively’s motion for attorney fees, treble and punitive damages will be decided by Judge Liman. The May 18 trial date remains on the calendar, though the underlying claims have been withdrawn. Both sides have waived appeal rights, leaving the pending motion as the final adjudicative step.
