The $161 Million Fallout: A Timeline Of The Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Lawsuit That Rocked Hollywood

The relationship between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, once the highly-anticipated cinematic pairing for the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s blockbuster novel It Ends With Us, has devolved into one of Hollywood’s most shocking and high-stakes legal battles. The professional "friction" Baldoni once alluded to has exploded into a full-blown controversy, with the two actors now facing off in a New York courtroom, not as co-stars, but as legal adversaries. The core of the dispute centers on serious allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation filed by Lively against her director and co-star.

As of late 2025, the saga continues to unfold, with the main trial date for Lively's lawsuit now postponed to May 2026, ensuring the legal drama will hang over the careers of both stars for the foreseeable future. This complex, multi-million dollar legal feud has completely overshadowed the release of the film, raising critical questions about workplace dynamics in the entertainment industry and the immense financial and personal toll of such allegations. The following is a detailed look at the two stars and the explosive timeline of their legal conflict.

Profiles: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni

The two stars at the center of the controversy are established figures in Hollywood, known for their roles in major television and film franchises before their fateful collaboration on It Ends With Us.

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Blake Lively: Actress, Director, and Entrepreneur

• Full Name: Blake Ellender Brown (Professionally known as Blake Lively)
• Born: August 25, 1987, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Gained prominence as Serena van der Woodsen in the CW series Gossip Girl (2007–2012). Key film roles include The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Age of Adaline, and A Simple Favor. She is also a director and the founder of the non-alcoholic mixer company, Betty Buzz.
• Marital Status: Married to actor Ryan Reynolds.

Justin Baldoni: Actor, Director, and Filmmaker

• Full Name: Justin Louis Baldoni
• Born: January 24, 1984, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Best known for portraying Rafael Solano on the satirical telenovela Jane the Virgin (2014–2019). He is also a director and filmmaker, directing films like Five Feet Apart and Clouds. He directed and co-starred in It Ends With Us.
• Other Ventures: Recognized for his documentary series, My Last Days, and his motivational talks and book, Man Enough.

The Shocking Timeline: From Co-Stars to Legal Adversaries

The professional relationship between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was initially framed as a passionate collaboration on a highly-anticipated adaptation. Baldoni had previously praised Lively, calling her a "powerhouse" and a "genius" to work with, while also mentioning the "friction" on set that he suggested was productive. However, the public narrative sharply turned into a legal nightmare, revealing a deep rift behind the scenes.

The Genesis of the Conflict: The Film’s Release (August 2024)

The first public signs of a major issue began to surface around the time of the film’s high-profile promotional press tour in August 2024. Reports of a noticeable "rift" at the premiere and subsequent public appearances indicated an underlying tension between the two leads that went beyond typical on-set disagreements.

The Lawsuit Drops: Sexual Harassment Allegations (December 2024)

The controversy exploded in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and others involved in the film’s production. The lawsuit accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and a campaign of retaliation against the actress. The allegations sent shockwaves through the industry, especially given the sensitive subject matter of the film, which deals with domestic abuse.

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Lively’s legal filing detailed the emotional and financial damage she allegedly suffered, including claims of "mental pain and anguish, severe emotional distress, and lost wages." She is reportedly seeking a staggering $161 million in damages from the ongoing lawsuit.

The Dismissed Counter-Lawsuit (Early 2025)

In response to Lively's claims, Baldoni filed a massive $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni's suit alleged that the couple attempted to "destroy" his reputation. However, a judge formally dismissed Baldoni's lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds shortly after, effectively closing that legal avenue for the actor.

The Legal Battle Continues: What’s Next?

Despite the dismissal of Baldoni's countersuit, the central legal battle—Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni—remains active and highly anticipated. The latest updates from the court indicate a prolonged legal fight.

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The May 2026 Trial Date Postponement

In a recent development, the New York trial date for the main case, originally set for March 2026, was delayed by two months. The new date is set for May 2026, ensuring that the legal proceedings will continue to dominate headlines for over a year to come. This postponement is a significant factor in the ongoing saga, prolonging the uncertainty for both parties and the public.

Public Appearances Amidst the Legal Storm

The legal fight has forced both actors to navigate high-profile public and professional lives under an intense spotlight. Lively was seen on the red carpet at events like the Another Simple Favor premiere and SNL50, sometimes just hours after scoring a major legal win or amid the ongoing battle. Meanwhile, Baldoni has been spotted enjoying time in Hawaii, attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy as his legal team manages the fallout.

The case has sparked a wider conversation about accountability and power dynamics in film production. Lively’s lawsuit seeks to hold individuals accountable for their alleged actions, while Baldoni continues to deny the allegations, maintaining his innocence and defending his reputation. The contrast between their on-screen romance in It Ends With Us and their real-life legal war is a stark reminder that the drama behind the cameras can often eclipse the fiction on the screen.

With the trial set for May 2026, the world waits for the next chapter in this unprecedented Hollywood legal drama, where the fate of two major careers and the resolution of severe allegations hang in the balance.