The on-screen drama of “It Ends With Us” is insignificant compared to the legal struggle that its co-stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, are involved in real life. Since December 2024, when Lively initially complained to the California Civil Rights Department about Baldoni for allegedly engaging in sexual harassment on the film’s set, which he also directed, the cast members have been involved in a contentious court battle.
In the following weeks, Lively, who is being represented by lawyer Michael Gottlieb, and Baldoni, who lawyer Bryan Freedman is representing, have filed opposing lawsuits against one another, making headlines and gaining attention at every turn. Judge Lewis Liman is in charge of the case, and the actors are scheduled to appear in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 9th, 2026.
Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni, Everything to know:
In his January lawsuit, Baldoni claimed that Lively had “falsely” accused him of sexual harassment to save her reputation following the negative publicity surrounding the film’s press tour, which resulted from the actress taking over the project. Baldoni’s legal team asserted that Lively had no proof of a purposeful slander campaign.
The lawsuit that Fox News received stated, “Lively could not tolerate her publicity-tainted image for even a moment, and further could not accept that it was entirely of her own making. She needed a scapegoat. Rather than admit and take accountability for her mishaps, she blamed Plaintiffs maliciously and unforgivable publicly.”
Two more female cast members are willing to testify at the planned 2026 trial, according to Lively’s updated complaint. But Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, denounced the updated lawsuit as “unsubstantial hearsay.” The court has heard both sides’ versions of events, but Lively might have the “upper hand” if more female cast members are willing to testify. Legal expert Heidi Reavis has stated, “In cases involving subjective experience, third-party witnesses can make or break the case, so if third-party witnesses can support Livelys version of events, and especially if Baldoni can not, she will have the upper hand when it comes to her credibility and the veracity of her claims.”
Unfortunately, media outlets have greatly influenced the public’s opinion. Some tabloids have come under fire for their alleged biased reporting, which either presents Lively as a whistleblower or Baldoni as the victim of baseless accusations. The story has become even more complex due to the heated discussions and conspiracy theories sparked by this divisive coverage.
Involvement of other celebrities:
Other entertainment industry figures have also become involved in the scandal. Actress Anna Kendrick was unintentionally dragged into the controversy because of rumors that she supported Baldoni based on her remarks at the 2025 BAFTA Awards. Kendrick has not made any official statements regarding the matter, and these theories remain unsupported.
Comedy star Chelsea Handler offered her opinion on the matter, denouncing Lively and Baldoni for their public arguments and highlighting the anguish the feud has created throughout the industry. Handler compared their actions to “children fighting” and requested they stop their public altercations.
The legal dispute intersecting with SNL’s 50th anniversary:
Reactions to Ryan Reynolds’ joke on Blake Lively’s legal struggle with Justin Baldoni during Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special were varied. When Reynolds was asked how he was doing, he responded, “Great, why? What have you heard?” Some fans supported Reynold’s humor, while others blasted SNL for downplaying serious accusations. SNL denied the reports, saying Reynolds pitched the joke personally when it was pre-written. Baldoni’s attorney emphasized the gravity of the matter and denounced the joke. The controversy shows how difficult it is to balance comedy and actual court cases in the public spotlight.
Behind-the-scenes conflict on “It Ends With Us” has turned into legal disputes, public altercations, and even surprising pop culture connections, like SNL’s 50th anniversary. The lawsuit is expected to have long-term effects on both parties’ careers and the larger discussion about responsibility and power relations in Hollywood because both sides are adamantly defending their positions. The public and the entertainment business will closely monitor this well-known dispute’s outcome as the trial date draws near.
