Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Head to Court Over Sexual Harassment Claims

The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will have its first day in court on Monday, February 5, 2025.

The actress has accused Baldoni, her former co-star and director in It Ends with Us, of sexually harassing her during the film’s production.

This case has gained public attention, with many discussing it on social media. Neither Lively nor Baldoni is expected to attend the hearing, according to sources.

How the Conflict Began

Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation.

This led to a civil lawsuit filed shortly after. Baldoni denies the allegations and countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.

Both sides have presented evidence, including text messages, video footage, and an audio recording of Baldoni apologizing to Lively. However, CNN has not independently verified the materials provided by either side.

Baldoni’s lawsuit claims Lively took control of the film’s creative direction, including having Reynolds secretly rewrite a scene in the script. He also alleges that Lively “summoned” him to her New York City penthouse for a meeting about the script, where Reynolds and a celebrity friend praised her revisions.

Lively’s team has criticized Baldoni’s counter-suit, claiming it is a common tactic to discredit victims of harassment.

The Public Feud

This case has become more than a legal matter; it has led to a public feud between Lively’s and Baldoni’s teams. Lively’s lawyers have accused Baldoni’s attorney of making misleading statements in the media. Meanwhile, Baldoni claims that Lively and Reynolds used their fame to damage his reputation.

Lively’s lawyers also issued cease-and-desist letters to Baldoni’s production company and his PR team, urging them to stop making defamatory statements about her.

The film It Ends With Us grossed over $148 million domestically after its release in August 2024. It focuses on domestic violence, with Lively and Baldoni portraying the troubled couple.