The acrimonious legal battle between It Ends With Us co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is officially headed to trial after a final attempt at court-mandated mediation collapsed on Wednesday. The two actors, whose behind-the-scenes friction became a global talking point during the film’s 2024 release, were unable to resolve Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment and a coordinated "smear campaign".
Appearing in person at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan, Lively and Baldoni spent more than six hours in separate rooms on the 14th floor. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave moved between the parties in an effort to secure a resolution and avoid a public trial, but the session ended without an agreement.
"We were unsuccessful in reaching any kind of resolution," Bryan Freedman, an attorney representing Baldoni, told reporters outside the courthouse. While Freedman acknowledged that a deal could theoretically be reached before the trial begins, he signalled that his team is prepared for a courtroom showdown. "We’re looking forward to it," he added.
The dispute stems from a lawsuit filed by Lively in late 2024, in which she accused Baldoni—who also directed the film—of creating a hostile work environment. The complaint includes allegations that Baldoni made inappropriate comments about Lively’s body and engaged in unwanted physical contact during filming. Furthermore, Lively alleges that Baldoni hired crisis public relations experts to intentionally leak damaging stories about her to the press to deflect from his own conduct.
Baldoni has consistently and vehemently denied all wrongdoing. His legal team has characterised the allegations as "petty slights" and "minor grievances" that do not meet the legal threshold for harassment. In a summary judgement motion filed earlier this year, Baldoni’s attorneys argued that the claims are factually baseless and should be dismissed before reaching a jury.
The case has also seen significant legal setbacks for Baldoni’s side. In June 2025, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed a $400 million countersuit filed by Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, which had accused Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion.
Despite the dismissal of his countersuits, Baldoni remains a defendant in Lively's primary action. The litigation has expanded to include Baldoni’s crisis management firm, which maintains its actions were standard industry practice.
Public interest in the case remains high, fuelled by the stark contrast in the stars' promotional styles during the movie’s release. With mediation failed, the case is now scheduled for a jury trial on May 18, 2026.