- - Justin Baldoni’s lawyer says Blake Lively settlement talk was ‘unsuccessful’ as trial looms

Audrey RockFebruary 12, 2026 at 4:14 AM

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Justin Baldoni’s lawyer says Blake Lively settlement talk was ‘unsuccessful’ as trial looms

An attempt to reach a settlement in a Manhattan court today seemingly proved fruitless in the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni case.

According to Deadline, Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman — who is representing the “It Ends With Us” director in Lively’s sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against him — said attempts to reach a pretrial deal on Wednesday were “unsuccessful.”

While Freedman acknowledged that “there’s always a chance” of still reaching a settlement between the feuding actors, he added that he didn’t “know that we will” resume talks.

Deadline noted that both the “Gossip Girl” alum and Baldoni left Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in New York City around 4 p.m. ET.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni did not reach a settlement in court today, Baldoni’s lawyer said. T.JACKSON / BACKGRID

Outside court on Wednesday, Brian Freedman branded attempts to reach a pretrial deal “unsuccessful,” per Deadline. Gregory P. Mango

A May 18 trial start date hangs in the balance, which Freedman said he’s “looking forward to,” per the outlet.

A rep for Lively did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment on Wednesday evening.

The co-stars were spotted arriving separately on Wednesday morning inexplicably wearing similar attire, with Lively donning an olive green suit ensemble and Baldoni wearing the same shade in a trench coat.

While Baldoni arrived with his wife Emily, the “A Simple Favor” actress attended the settlement conference sans husband Ryan Reynolds.

Freedman said he’s “looking forward to” the scheduled May trial. Gregory P. Mango for NY Post

Lively and Baldoni arrived separately this morning, inexplicably wearing similar attire. Elder Ordonez/INSTARimages

The closed-door hearing in Manhattan was overseen by U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. It marked the first time the actors have faced one another in court since their legal battle began in December 2024.

Lively and Baldoni — who played love interests opposite one another in the domestic violence-themed drama — first courted rumors of tension in August 2024, as they appeared separately during press events for the film.

Lively filed a bombshell complaint accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment in December 2024, and subsequently sued her co-star the following month.

The actress alleged Baldoni is liable for at least $161 million in damages and lost income arising from what she claimed was a smear campaign leveled against her amid the movie’s release.

Baldoni attended court alongside his wife, Emily, while Lively arrived solo. Javier Mateo / BACKGRID

The “It Ends With Us” co-stars have been feuding in court since December 2024, with Baldoni denying Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. GC Images

Baldoni responded by denying the allegations and countersuing Lively and Reynolds for $400 million in January 2025 — though Judge Lewis J. Liman, who is set to oversee the impending trial in May, tossed Baldoni’s lawsuit last summer.

A November 2025 attempt by Baldoni to also have Lively’s lawsuit dismissed has not yet been ruled on.

As the case heats up, recently unsealed documents exposed peripheral involvement in the case by stars including Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, and Johnny Depp, among others.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”