On February 11, 2026, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni were unable to reach a settlement during a mandated mediation session held at a New York courthouse. The discussion, overseen by Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave, was part of federal court procedures related to the Blake Lively sexual harassment lawsuit. Lively is suing Baldoni, her co-star in the film It Ends With Us, as well as his production company, Wayfarer Studios, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation on set.
Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, confirmed to reporters after the six-hour mediation that no resolution was reached and expects the case to proceed to trial.
“I do. We’re looking forward to it… The case will move forward,”
Freedman stated. However, he also conveyed cautious optimism about a possible future settlement, saying, “there’s always a chance” and “We’ll see.”
Background and Legal Developments Leading Up to Trial
The lawsuit originated in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Justin Baldoni, accusing him of inappropriate conduct during the filming of their movie. Baldoni denied the allegations and responded with a countersuit targeting Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, alleging extortion and defamation. His countersuit was ultimately dismissed in June 2025.
In a hearing last month, Baldoni’s legal team argued for dismissal, claiming the dispute stemmed from creative disagreements rather than misconduct. Jonathan Bach, representing Baldoni, explained to the court,
“This is a case about making a movie, one with highly charged romantic and sexual themes. The book called for sexy scenes…”
However, he added,
“It’s not enough to show that sex or sexuality found its way into the workplace. Their burden is to show that it not only entered the workplace, but was used to discriminate against women.”
Blake Lively’s attorney, Sigrid McCawley, responded by emphasizing the strength of their case. After the hearing, she said,
“She really is in a position where she’s got mountains of strong evidence.”
McCawley also remarked,
“She feels very good about her claims, and she wants to send a message to all women that if you are wronged and harmed in the workplace, you can stand up for yourself.”
Next Steps as Trial Date Nears
The upcoming trial is set to begin on May 18, 2026, in New York City. Blake Lively is seeking damages exceeding $160 million in this high-profile sexual harassment case, which continues to draw significant attention. The unresolved settlement talks and the atmosphere of tension and frustration surrounding the lawsuit highlight the serious nature of workplace misconduct allegations in the entertainment industry.
The trial’s outcome could have widespread implications, not only for those involved but also for how sexual harassment and retaliation claims are addressed on film sets and within production companies like Wayfarer Studios. As the proceedings move forward, the case remains a critical example of the ongoing struggle to hold influential figures accountable for inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
