While many many wondered it to be a turning point but turned into another step toward trail. Blakely Lively and Justin Baldoni appeared in Manhattan federal courtroom for a six-hour closed door settlement conference but they left without an agreement.
The mediation overseen by U.S Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse, kept both parties in separate rooms, as is standard practice. Despite extended discussions were made the effort to settle the dispute tied to It Ends With Us did not succeed.
Outside the courthouse, Justin’s attorney Bryan Freedman confirmed that talks were “unsuccessful,” though he added there is “always a chance” of settlement. He also stated he was “looking forward” to the trial scheduled for May 18.
The legal conflict began in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation and fostering an unsafe work environment during the shoot of their 2024 released film It Ends With Us. She also alleged that a crisis communications firm was hired to launch a smear campaign against her.
Baldoni has denied the claims. He previously filed a $400 million countersuit alleging defamation and extortion but that case was dismissed in June 2025. A separate defamation claim against a major publication was also dismissed.
Court filings have since revealed emails and text messages involving several well-known names. Some messages showed Lively seeking support from friends during rising tensions connected to the film’s production and press tour.
With mediation behind them, the case now moves toward trial in May 2026. Both sides remain firm in their positions. As the legal process continues, the courtroom will likely become the place where both actors finally present their full arguments.
For now, the dispute remains unresolved and closely watched.
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