Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni: Trial set for March 2026

In the ongoing legal dispute between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, new developments have emerged. According to a report by Variety, the two could face trial on March 9, 2026, as stated by Judge Lewis J. Liman. 

Lively, who filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December, accuses the director of sexual harassment and retaliation on the set of the upcoming 2024 film. The judge confirmed that an initial hearing will be held on February 3.

At this hearing, Lively's attorneys are expected to request a court order that would prevent Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, from launching a public relations campaign surrounding the case. 

Lively's lawsuit claims that she, along with other cast and crew members of It Ends With Us, experienced "invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behaviour" from Baldoni on set. She further alleges that Baldoni retaliated against her by collaborating with a crisis PR team to damage her reputation.

In response, Baldoni has denied all the allegations. His legal team has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Blake Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. 

Freedman has indicated plans to launch a website showcasing evidence to refute Lively's harassment claims. Meanwhile, Lively’s attorneys are seeking a protective injunction to limit the sharing of discovery materials and requesting that the judge remind Freedman of his professional conduct obligations, as reported by Variety.

Last week, Lively's legal team, led by Michael Gottlieb, urgently requested a hearing to address Freedman's media statements. The judge agreed to move the initial hearing, which was scheduled for February 12, to an earlier date, set for February 3. 

Liman also plans to consolidate the two federal cases. During Monday’s proceedings, the judge instructed both parties to arrange a briefing schedule aimed at starting the trial on March 9, 2026. However, if the two parties reach a settlement before that, the trial date could be cancelled.