Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni did not resolve her sexual harassment lawsuit during a daylong mediation in federal court on Wednesday. The co-stars of 'It Ends With Us' spent the session in separate courtrooms in New York and left without comment. Baldoni's attorney indicated a trial is likely ahead.
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively entered a New York federal courthouse on Friday morning for a court-mandated mediation overseen by Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. The session, part of routine federal procedure, took place on the 14th floor, with the parties in separate courtrooms for much of the day. At the conclusion, both exited the building past media without making statements.
Bryan Freedman, attorney for Baldoni, confirmed to reporters that no deal was reached. He noted that a settlement remains possible but appeared skeptical, stating, 'I do. We’re looking forward to it,' when asked about the case proceeding to trial. Prior in-person sessions with Judge Cave had occurred, but there was no indication that either side anticipated progress.
The mediation stems from Lively's lawsuit accusing Baldoni of harassing her on the set of 'It Ends With Us' and collaborating with publicists on a smear campaign following her complaints. A trial is scheduled for May 18. Judge Lewis Liman is reviewing a summary judgment motion from Baldoni's team, which argues the suit consists of 'petty grievances that fall well below the standard for harassment.'
Lively's representatives counter that other actors raised similar complaints about Baldoni's conduct and that the allegations merit a jury's consideration. The case highlights tensions from the production of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel.
