Amid allegations of harassment and retaliation, a federal judge sets a tentative trial date for March 2026, while both parties prepare for the initial hearing in February.
Washington [US], January 28: The ongoing legal dispute between actor Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni has taken a significant turn, with a tentative trial date set for March 9, 2026, as per Variety.
Lively, who filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, has accused the director of sexual harassment and retaliation during the filming of It Ends With Us. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman announced Monday that an initial hearing will take place on February 3, 2025.
Lively’s Allegations and Legal Moves
The lawsuit alleges that Lively, along with other cast and crew members, endured “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior” from Baldoni on set. Lively also claims that Baldoni retaliated against her by working with a crisis PR team to damage her reputation.
Lively’s attorneys are expected to seek a protective order at the February hearing, aiming to restrict Baldoni’s legal team, led by Bryan Freedman, from launching a public relations campaign about the case.
Baldoni’s Response
Baldoni has strongly denied the allegations and has filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, accusing them of defamation. Freedman, representing Baldoni, has stated his intention to launch a website to refute Lively’s claims and provide evidence in Baldoni’s defense.
Lively’s attorneys, led by Michael Gottlieb, have requested the court to limit the sharing of discovery materials and remind Freedman of his ethical obligations under professional conduct guidelines.
Judge’s Actions and Future Timeline
Judge Liman, who is overseeing the case, has agreed to advance the initial hearing date to February 3, nine days earlier than the original schedule. Liman also plans to consolidate two related federal cases.
While the trial date is set for March 2026, Judge Liman noted that it could be canceled if both parties reach a settlement beforehand.
This case has drawn significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the serious allegations being made. The legal battle continues to evolve, with both sides preparing for the upcoming hearing and potential trial.