Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni remain embroiled in a legal dispute after both sides reportedly rejected the latest effort to reach a settlement. The development comes days after most of Lively’s case was dismissed, which indicates the case will most likely go to trial as scheduled.
Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Refuse To Settle
On April 6, counsel for Lively and Baldoni separately conferred with Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave in New York in the latest attempt to settle the case. As reported by the Daily Mail, Judge Lewis J. Liman, who is presiding over the case, allowed both parties to inform the court of their “updated settlement position” days after the two parties appeared in court.
On April 2, Judge Liman dismissed 10 of Lively’s 13 claims against the “It Ends With Us” director, including sexual harassment, leaving three remaining claims: retaliation, breach of contract, and aiding and abetting retaliation.
According to the report, however, the result was reportedly a stalemate, with both parties refusing to settle just over a month before the trial was scheduled to begin.
Blake Lively Is Reportedly Being Urged To Settle
With the majority of her claims tossed, those close to Lively are reportedly urging the “Gossip Girl” actress to settle. As previously reported by The Blast, those close to Lively aren’t certain she could win, with a source stating that they are “begging” her to settle.
Another insider alleged that even Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, has reservations about moving forward with the trial, as the case has been affecting not only their careers but their personal lives and relationships as well.
However, it seems Lively is insistent on moving forward with the case despite the setback, as evidenced by the result of the latest settlement talks.
The Actress Said She’s ‘Grateful’ For The Court Ruling
Following the dismissal of most of Lively’s claims, one of her lawyers, Michael Gottlieb, released a statement saying that his client’s claims were tossed due to legal technicalities.
“Ms. Lively’s sexual harassment claims could not go to a jury because Ms. Lively did not sign a contract, that she is an independent contractor instead of an employee, and that the offensive conduct occurred in New Jersey instead of California,” he noted.
Lively also addressed the court’s decision on Instagram Stories, writing, “I’m grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial…”
The actress then talked about the dangers of “retaliation and digital warfare” and vowed not to stop fighting. “I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it,” she concluded.
Justin Baldoni Was Pleased With The Latest Outcome
Baldoni’s legal team was pleased with Judge Liman’s decision to dismiss the majority of Lively’s claims, saying that what remains “is a significantly narrowed case.” One of the actor’s attorneys, Bryan Freedman, said the defendants, including Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios President Jamey Heath, were “very good people who have not engaged in this sexual harassment as alleged.”
“It is gratifying to see that the courts ruling confirms what the legal team believed from day one,” Freedman said in a statement, adding that Baldoni’s team relied on transparency in their defence since the legal battle started in December 2024.
Lawyer Weighs In On The Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Case
Both parties have their own reasons for pushing forward with the case and going to trial. Lawyer Neama Rahmani, who isn’t involved in the case, shared her opinion with Vulture, saying, “This is about her sending a message to Baldoni and standing up for herself. Then, on the other side, Baldoni was canceled. This is about clearing his name in Hollywood.”
According to Rahmani, 98 percent of civil lawsuits are resolved via a settlement. Despite the latest refusal of both parties to settle, there is still a chance that the case will not go to trial, as settlement can take place from now until then. “Lively and Baldoni could settle right now. They could also settle on the day their trial is supposed to start. They could settle mid-trial. They could even settle after the trial. The world is their settlement oyster,” Rahmani explained.
The trial is scheduled to begin on May 18 in New York.