Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively Lawsuit: Settlement Talks Fail, Court Battle Looms

New York – Settlement talks between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have once again failed, leaving the future of their legal battle over the film “It Ends With Us” to be decided at trial. The latest attempt at resolution concluded on Thursday, February 12, 2026, without an agreement, following a six-hour session the previous day that also yielded no progress.

Baldoni appeared at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan US Courthouse in Manhattan on Thursday, accompanied by his wife, Emily Baldoni, and producers Jamey and Natasha Heath. He greeted members of the press with a smile, offering a brief comment about hoping they “stay warm,” according to reports. The appearance coincided with a separate hearing related to a lawsuit Baldoni and his current publicist, Jennifer Abel, filed against Baldoni’s former publicist, Stephanie Jones, in March 2025.

The original lawsuit, filed by Lively in December 2024, alleges sexual harassment on the set of “It Ends With Us” and accuses Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, of a campaign to damage her reputation. The claims center around an incident where Lively alleges producer Jamey Heath showed her a graphic video, initially believed to be pornography, which he later claimed depicted his wife giving birth.

Thursday’s proceedings focused on the dispute with Jones, whom Baldoni and Abel accuse of leaking private messages that became central to Lively’s allegations. Jones arrived at the courthouse before Baldoni, accompanied by her attorney, and did not comment to the press. The settlement conference was held in separate courtrooms, mirroring the arrangement used during Wednesday’s unsuccessful talks.

Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, expressed optimism despite the lack of immediate resolution. “I’m gonna be grateful and have a wonderful day,” Freedman told reporters, adding, “I expect everything is going to go well today.” When pressed on the possibility of further settlement discussions, Freedman was noncommittal, stating, “Never my last day here,” before entering the courthouse. He later indicated he anticipates the case proceeding to trial.

Lively was not present for Thursday’s hearing, which concerned the dispute with Jones and Abel. She had left Wednesday’s settlement conference with a visibly displeased expression, after the day-long negotiations failed to produce an agreement.

The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni has become one of the most closely watched in Hollywood. The case has drawn attention not only due to the high profile of the individuals involved but also because of the serious nature of the allegations. The failure to reach a settlement suggests a willingness on both sides to pursue the matter through a full trial, which is currently scheduled for May 18, 2026.

Freedman’s comments suggest a continued belief in Baldoni’s defense, while the lack of public statements from Lively’s representatives indicates a firm stance on the allegations. The upcoming trial promises to be a detailed examination of the events that transpired during the production of “It Ends With Us” and the subsequent fallout, potentially setting a precedent for handling similar allegations within the entertainment industry.

The case has unfolded against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of workplace conduct in Hollywood, particularly regarding issues of harassment and power dynamics. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for how such matters are addressed in the future, influencing industry practices and legal standards.

No fans gathered outside the courthouse on either Wednesday or Thursday, suggesting a degree of public fatigue with the ongoing legal drama, or perhaps a respect for the privacy of those involved as they navigate the complex legal process. The focus now shifts to preparations for the trial, where both Lively and Baldoni will likely be called to testify and present their accounts of the events in question.