Top Lawyers for Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Face Final Hearing in Manhattan Federal Court

Lawyers representing actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are scheduled to appear in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for a final pretrial hearing ahead of a highly anticipated civil trial. The hearing, presided over by New York Southern District Judge Lewis Liman, will address key procedural matters, including the trial’s duration, witness sequestration rules, and the admissibility of expert testimony and evidence. Jury selection is set to begin on May 18, with opening statements expected the same day, according to court filings.

Case Background and Allegations

The legal dispute stems from a complaint Lively filed against Baldoni with the California Civil Rights Department in December 2024. In the complaint, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends With Us. She also alleged that Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, engaged in a “social manipulation” campaign aimed at damaging her reputation. The lawsuit, later filed in New York, expanded these claims, accusing Baldoni and Wayfarer of “unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing” and seeking $500 million in damages.

Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios have vehemently denied the allegations. In a statement, Baldoni’s legal team described the claims as “baseless” and emphasized their intent to vigorously defend against them in court. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the parties involved and the seriousness of the accusations.

Pretrial Proceedings and Jury Selection

The Tuesday hearing is expected to finalize logistical details critical to the trial’s progression. Among the issues to be resolved are the scope of evidence each side may present, the sequestration of witnesses to prevent testimony contamination, and the qualifications of expert witnesses. Judge Liman’s rulings on these matters will shape the trial’s structure and could influence its outcome.

Jury selection, scheduled to begin on May 18, will include a detailed questionnaire designed to assess potential jurors’ impartiality. Prospective jurors will be asked about their familiarity with the case, their opinions on sexual harassment and discrimination claims, and any personal connections to the parties involved. Notably, the questionnaire includes questions about whether jurors know celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds, or whether they have seen It Ends With Us or read the book. These questions aim to identify biases that could affect jurors’ ability to evaluate the evidence fairly.

“Is there anything about the subject matter or nature of the allegations made by Ms. Lively – which include sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation – that would make it difficult for you to consider the evidence in this case with an open mind to both sides?”

Excerpt from the jury questionnaire, as cited in court filings

Legal and Industry Implications

The case has raised broader questions about workplace conduct in the entertainment industry, particularly on film sets where power dynamics between actors, directors, and producers can be complex. Legal experts note that the outcome of the trial could set precedents for how similar allegations are handled in the future, particularly in cases involving high-profile figures.

In a previous ruling, Judge Liman dismissed portions of Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni, though the core allegations remain intact. The dismissal did not extend to Wayfarer Studios, which remains a defendant in the case. Baldoni, known for his work as an actor and director, has faced professional scrutiny amid the legal proceedings, though no other allegations of misconduct have been publicly substantiated.

The trial’s high stakes—both financially and reputationally—have intensified media interest. Lively, a prominent actress and public figure, has built a career on roles that often emphasize empowerment and resilience, making the allegations particularly sensitive. Baldoni, meanwhile, has cultivated an image as an advocate for social causes, further complicating the narrative surrounding the case.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Following Tuesday’s hearing, the court will proceed with jury selection, a process that could take several days given the case’s complexity and the need to ensure an impartial jury. Opening statements are expected to follow immediately after the jury is empaneled, marking the formal beginning of the trial.

Legal analysts anticipate that the trial will hinge on the credibility of witness testimony, the admissibility of evidence related to the alleged “social manipulation” campaign, and the interpretation of workplace conduct standards in the entertainment industry. The $500 million damages claim underscores the severity of the allegations and the potential financial consequences for the defendants if the jury rules in Lively’s favor.

As the case unfolds, it is likely to remain a focal point for discussions about accountability, power dynamics, and legal recourse in Hollywood. The outcome could influence how similar disputes are litigated in the future, particularly in an era where allegations of misconduct are increasingly scrutinized in the public sphere.