Both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have decided against mediation, paving the way for a potential courtroom showdown. In a letter filed on February 13 in New York federal court, attorneys for both sides argued that pursuing settlement talks at this stage would be “inappropriate” and “premature,” indicating that the case may ultimately proceed to trial. Lively’s attorneys, Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, issued a statement on February 12, asserting that subpoenas for Baldoni’s phone records will “expose the people, tactics, and methods that have worked to destroy and bury [Lively’s] reputation and family over the past year.”
Earlier in the month, both legal teams participated in a pre-trial conference to discuss Lively’s potential request for a gag order. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman cautioned both parties against litigating through the press, warning that excessive media coverage could result in an earlier trial date, which is currently set for March 9, 2026. The judge emphasized the importance of adhering to New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit statements that could unfairly influence a jury. However, he chose not to sanction Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, despite claims from Lively’s team that he made inflammatory public statements targeting the actress.
The legal dispute between the It Ends With Us co-stars began in December 2024, when Lively, 37, filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, 41, accusing him of misconduct during the film’s production. Lively has also alleged that Baldoni and his associates engaged in a retaliatory smear campaign aimed at “destroying” her reputation—claims that Baldoni has vehemently denied. In January, Baldoni countersued Lively for $400 million, naming her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, Leslie Sloane, in a lawsuit that includes allegations of extortion and defamation, among other claims.
Days after filing his countersuit, Baldoni’s legal team announced plans to launch a website “containing all correspondence as well as relevant videos that quash [Lively’s] claims.” Lively’s attorneys responded with a request for a potential gag order to prevent Baldoni from publicizing evidence, including leaked video from the It Ends With Us set and statements from his legal team. During a pre-trial hearing in early February, the judge reiterated his warning against publicly discussing the case. Baldoni’s attorneys countered, arguing that Lively had fueled the “media feeding frenzy” by allegedly providing The New York Times with a copy of her complaint, which was featured in a December 21 article.
On January 31, Baldoni followed through with his plan, launching a website titled “Lawsuit Info,” which links to his amended court filing. The one-page site includes buttons directing visitors to legal documents related to his ongoing battle with Lively. The rejection of mediation marks a significant turn of events in a legal drama that has captivated public attention, leaving both parties with little choice but to prepare for what could be a prolonged courtroom fight.
