Following Judge Lewis Liman's April 2026 dismissal of most claims in Blake Lively's suit against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios (see prior coverage), the case advances on retaliation claims to a May 18 trial in New York City. Recent motions, witness lists, and insurer disputes continue to intensify the battle stemming from 'It Ends With Us' production.
The Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni legal saga, detailed in prior series updates including the failed settlement, WME's support for Lively, and reactions to the judge's ruling sending core retaliation claims to trial, shows no signs of abating. Judge Liman dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims—including sexual harassment (due to her independent contractor status and jurisdictional issues) and defamation—while allowing breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding/abetting retaliation to proceed, as announced in a 162-page opinion in early April 2026.
Post-ruling, both sides have ramped up preparations. Lively's team named over 20 witnesses, including Taylor Swift, Hugh Jackman, and Ari Emanuel, estimating at least $500 million in damages ($161 million actual losses as of late 2025). Earlier subpoenas targeted telecoms like AT&T, Taylor Swift, and Scooter Braun. Baldoni's camp pursued depositions, evidence preservation, and protective orders; Judge Liman imposed gag orders, struck Lively's deposition from public view on August 8, 2025, and warned against public litigation lest the trial date advance.
Background (for new readers): Lively's December 2024 complaints alleged harassment and retaliation via a smear campaign after raising set safety issues. Baldoni countersued for defamation (dismissed June 2025, with amendment allowed but later developments favoring Lively). Insurers like Harco National denied coverage in July 2025, leading to further suits. Colleen Hoover voiced concerns in November 2025 over the overshadowing of her novel.
Lively's attorney emphasized focus on retaliation; Baldoni's team welcomed dismissals of harassment claims. With trial set for May 18, 2026, the feud—alleging hostile environments, reputational attacks, and power struggles—remains Hollywood's most-watched legal clash.
