Justin Baldoni is continuing his legal battle related to the Blake Lively lawsuit update without missing any key deadlines, according to sources familiar with the case. After the judge dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit against Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds in June, Baldoni’s team confirmed they did not plan to file an appeal and are instead concentrating on defending against Lively’s ongoing suit.
The trial concerning Blake Lively’s original lawsuit, filed in December 2024, is set for March 2026. This ongoing legal conflict traces back to allegations made by Lively against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign.
Background of the Legal Dispute Between Baldoni and Lively
The dispute began when Blake Lively, 38, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, 41, following their work together on the film It Ends With Us. Lively alleged that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behavior and coordinated efforts to damage her reputation. In response, Baldoni denied all accusations and countersued Lively and Ryan Reynolds for extortion and defamation, claims which the couple denied.
Though the judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit in June, his legal team remains focused on defending against Lively’s claims and does not intend to appeal the dismissal. They are also preparing for the trial regarding Lively’s lawsuit, scheduled for early 2026.
Details on Missed Appeal Deadline and Legal Tactics
Reports surfaced on October 31 claiming that Baldoni missed a deadline to file an appeal after his countersuit was dismissed. However, sources close to Baldoni clarified that no appeal was ever planned and the deadline was allowed to lapse intentionally. Instead, the focus has shifted entirely to fighting Lively’s original complaint.
Baldoni was given an opportunity to amend his claims related to breach of implied covenant and tortious interference by June 23 but chose not to revise those charges. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, explained that the team’s priority is to counter Lively’s December 2024 case.
“The Court’s decision on the motion to dismiss has no effect whatsoever on the truth that there was no harassment nor any smear campaign, and it does not in any way affect our vigorous defense against Ms. Lively’s claims,”
Freedman stated.
“Discovery is proceeding and we are confident that we will prevail against these factually baseless accusations. Instead of revising the existing claims, our clients will be pursuing additional legal options that are available to us.”
Ongoing Depositions and Evidence Collection in the Lawsuit
Since the dismissal of Baldoni’s countersuit, both legal teams have been actively preparing for the upcoming trial. In July 2025, Lively was deposed in New York City while Baldoni and his lawyers observed. The deposition focused on their interactions during the filming of It Ends With Us and the escalating dispute.
Following Lively’s deposition, additional witnesses connected to the film were questioned under oath in October. Author Colleen Hoover, who wrote the novel the movie is based on, as well as actress Jenny Slate, who played Baldoni’s character’s sister, gave testimony. Isabela Ferrer, who portrayed the younger version of Lively’s role and had earlier accused Baldoni of harassment, was also deposed. Baldoni’s legal team dismissed Ferrer’s claims, explaining that they were seeking
“documents that [Ferrer] either neglected to produce or were not requested”
during initial subpoena attempts.
Blake Lively’s Stand on the Legal Battle
Blake Lively has publicly expressed her support for women’s rights and shared her feelings about facing a retaliatory lawsuit. In June, following the dismissal of Baldoni’s countersuit, she posted on her Instagram Story,
“Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organizations united in defending women’s rights to speak up for their safety.”
She also added,
“Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us.”
Her message underscored the emotional toll and the wider significance of legal struggles faced by women speaking out.
Next Steps and Importance of the Trial Scheduled for 2026
As the case moves forward, the March 2026 trial will be critical in determining the outcome of Blake Lively’s claims against Justin Baldoni. Both parties continue to gather evidence and strategize their approaches during the discovery process. The trial will likely have significant repercussions on the reputations and careers of those involved, given the serious nature of the allegations and the public attention surrounding the dispute.
The developments in this case highlight the complex challenges faced by public figures when legal battles intersect with personal and professional relationships. The progression toward trial underscores the persistence of both sides amidst an intense and emotionally charged conflict, with each prepared to present their defenses and claims in court.
