Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively have finally reached an agreement in their high-profile legal battle over the film. It ends with usavoiding what was expected to be a very public trial.
In a joint statement released Monday (May 4) through their lawyers, the two confirmed that they had reached an agreement just weeks before jury selection began.
Both actors expressed pride in the final film and its mission to support survivors of domestic violence, while acknowledging that the production process “presented challenges” and that the concerns Lively raised deserved a fair hearing.
The resolution ends a contentious dispute that first erupted in December 2024.
Lively, 38, had accused her co-star and director of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, alleging she was subjected to retaliation and a smear campaign after speaking out.
Baldoni, 42, has always denied the allegations and even launched a countersuit, which was thrown out by a judge last year.
The settlement follows a recommendation from U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who had urged both sides to find a way to settle outside of court.
As the case made its way to the courtroom, the journey was not smooth for either side.
In April, Judge Liman dismissed a significant portion of Lively’s claims, including those regarding harassment, defamation and conspiracy.
However, he allowed three specific charges to go forward: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation.
Baldoni’s legal team said it was pleased that the most serious harassment claims had been dismissed, while Lively’s lawyers maintained the focus was still on exposing the “devastating retaliation” she faced for defending her safety on set.
Ultimately, both stars seem eager to put the legal drama behind them.
Their statement emphasized a shared commitment to workplaces free of “unproductive environments” and expressed the sincere hope that the settlement would bring closure to all involved.
By settling in now, they have managed to move forward with peace of mind, notably calling for a “more respectful online environment” as they refocus on their professional lives and the meaningful impact of their work.
