Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have settled a legal dispute linked to the production of the 2024 film «It Ends with Us,» avoiding a trial scheduled for May, the BBC reported.
The case began in 2024 when Lively, who played a victim of domestic violence in an adaptation of a novel by Colleen Hoover, accused Baldoni of harassment, sexual misconduct and organizing a smear campaign during filming.
Lively’s legal team also claimed that Baldoni and his studio sought to damage her reputation through the media and social media platforms.
Baldoni denied the claims and filed a counter-lawsuit, alleging defamation and reputational harm.
In a joint statement, the actors’ attorneys said the film «is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life,» adding that raising awareness of domestic violence «is a goal that we stand behind.» The statement also acknowledged that «the process presented challenges» and that concerns raised by Lively «deserved to be heard.» Both sides said they hope the settlement will «bring closure and allow all involved to move forward constructively and in peace.»
Before the settlement, a judge dismissed most of Lively’s claims, including harassment and defamation, leaving only allegations related to contract and retaliation. Baldoni’s counterclaims were also dismissed. The court stated his team had «not adequately alleged» wrongdoing beyond «legally permissible» negotiation tactics.
