A New York federal judge has set a trial date for March 9, 2026, in the ongoing legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over their film It Ends With Us.
The trial date follows allegations from both sides, with Lively accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and a smear campaign, while Baldoni counters with claims of defamation and extortion.
Tensions Over Pretrial Publicity
The legal battle has escalated with accusations of improper media tactics. Lively’s legal team claims Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, is attempting to influence potential jurors by releasing selective documents and communications.
They argue this media campaign is damaging Lively’s reputation and tainting the jury pool. In response, Freedman defended the release of evidence, asserting that the facts would clear Baldoni of all allegations.
Lively Seeks Deposition from Crisis Management Expert
In a separate legal filing, Lively has requested a deposition from Jed Wallace, a crisis management specialist, accusing him of orchestrating social media manipulation against her.
Wallace, who worked with Baldoni’s team, allegedly created disparaging content across platforms like Reddit and TikTok to sway public opinion.
Film’s Success Amid Legal Drama
Despite the public feud, It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, became a surprise hit, grossing $50 million in its opening weekend.
However, the film’s success was overshadowed by rumors of discord between the two leads, with Lively notably attending red carpet events without Baldoni.