Los Angeles, CA – The ongoing legal feud between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, stemming from their work on the 2024 film It Ends With Us, has taken a new turn as Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, addressed the possibility of a settlement before their scheduled trial. The statement, reported by E! News on March 17, 2025, and detailed in an article on E! Online, comes amid escalating tensions and high-profile lawsuits between the co-stars.
Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer Addresses Possibility of Reaching Settlement With Blake Lively Before Trial https://t.co/4FoUCk2DZ0
— E! News (@enews) March 17, 2025
Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliation, and creating a hostile work environment during the filming of the romantic drama, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel. The complaint, later amended, alleged Baldoni’s on-set behavior made other female cast members uncomfortable and claimed his crisis-PR team launched a campaign to damage her reputation. In response, Baldoni, 40, countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicists in January 2025, seeking $400 million for alleged defamation and extortion.
During an interview on The Town podcast with Matthew Belloni, released on March 13, Freedman clarified his earlier reference to Lively as a “victim,” stating it was taken out of context. He emphasized Baldoni’s willingness to resolve the dispute amicably, saying, “We’re always open to settlement discussions if it’s fair and equitable for both parties.” However, he stressed that Baldoni remains committed to defending his reputation and clearing his name, with the trial set for March 2026 in New York federal court.
The legal battle has captivated Hollywood, with both sides presenting detailed claims supported by evidence, including Lively’s 163-page amended filing and Baldoni’s counterclaims. Co-star Brandon Sklenar has publicly supported Lively, while Baldoni’s team alleges a coordinated effort to tarnish his image.
As the entertainment industry watches closely, Freedman’s comments suggest a potential path to resolution, though the outcome remains uncertain. Fans and analysts await further developments in this high-profile saga, which has overshadowed the film’s initial success.
