The ongoing legal dispute between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is set for a court hearing on March 9, 2026, in New York, according to a report by Variety. The court has also scheduled a pre-trial conference for February 3, 2025.
Blake Lively’s Allegations Against Justin Baldoni
Blake Lively, who starred alongside Baldoni in It Ends With Us, has accused him of sexual misconduct on set and claims he orchestrated a smear campaign to protect himself while damaging her reputation. She has now filed a lawsuit in federal court in New York after submitting an 80-page complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. In her legal action, Lively is seeking monetary compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and mental anguish caused by Baldoni’s alleged actions.
Baldoni’s Counterclaim and Lawsuit Against The New York Times
Justin Baldoni has denied the allegations and has filed a counterclaim against Lively, demanding $400 million in compensation. Additionally, he has sued The New York Times and 10 other plaintiffs over a December 21 article titled “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine”, alleging false invasion of privacy.
Legal Developments and Industry Reactions
Judge Lewis J. Liman will preside over the pre-trial conference in February 2025, where both Lively’s allegations and Baldoni’s counterclaims will be addressed. Lively’s legal team dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit, stating that “nothing changes” about the claims she made in her California Civil Rights Department Complaint.
Following the lawsuit, Baldoni was dropped by his talent agency, and Lively has received support from several Hollywood insiders. The case has sparked significant debate in the industry, with many closely watching how the legal proceedings unfold.
Sources By Agencies
