Full Breakdown
Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni Settle ‘It Ends With Us’ Dispute
5/9/2026, 12:03:30 AM
Settlement and Pending Fee Motion
A settlement filed May 4, 2026 and entered May 7 in the Southern District of New York resolves the remaining claims in Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios. Both sides waive appeal rights. Lively retains the right to seek attorney fees, treble damages, and punitive damages under California Civil Code § 47.1.
Background
Lively sued Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, defamation, and breach of contract tied to the 2024 film “It Ends With Us.” Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed ten of thirteen claims in April 2025, leaving breach-of-contract and retaliation claims. Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit was dismissed in June 2025. A trial was slated for May 18, 2026.
Key Parties
Blake Lively (plaintiff), Justin Baldoni (defendant), Wayfarer Studios and co-founders Jamie Heath and Steve Sarowitz. Lively’s counsel: Michael Gottlieb, Esra Hudson, Sigrid McCawley. Baldoni’s counsel: Bryan Freedman, Ellyn Garofalo.
Timeline
Dec 2024 – Lively files suit; Apr 2025 – ten claims dismissed; Jun 2025 – Baldoni’s countersuit dismissed; Sep 2025 – Lively files fee motion; May 4 2026 – settlement reached; May 7 2026 – settlement filed; May 18 2026 – trial date remains but is moot.
Data & Statistics
Lively’s complaint cited $290-$300 million reputational loss; Baldoni’s countersuit sought $400 million; “It Ends With Us” earned $351 million worldwide.
Official Statements
Lively’s attorneys described the settlement as a “resounding victory” and noted that the defendants waived appeal rights, exposing them to potential liability for allegedly abusing the legal system to silence Lively. Baldoni’s counsel called the result a “total victory” for the Wayfarer parties.
Criticism
Freedman argued the settlement reflected Lively’s expectation of loss, noting the court had already dismissed most claims and that the remaining fee request concerns a “very narrow issue” pending since September 2025.
Conflicting Reports
All sources agree no cash changed hands, but the precise timing of the countersuit dismissal is reported uniformly as June 2025; the fee motion’s outcome remains pending.
Verbatim Quotes
“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, Attorney for Lively
“All that remains is a pending request for fees based on a very narrow issue that has been with the court since September 2025.” — Bryan Freedman, Attorney for Baldoni
“This settlement is a resounding victory for Blake Lively.” — Sigrid McCawley, Attorney for Lively
“ecstatic” — Justin Baldoni (as reported by Bryan Freedman)
What’s Next
The court will decide Lively’s fee motion, potentially awarding attorney fees, treble damages, and punitive damages under California law. A hearing may be scheduled soon, and the ruling could affect similar survivor-protection statutes in other states, including New York’s pending Speak Your Truth Act.
