Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni settle lawsuit ahead of trial
by Karen Butler · UPIMay 5 (UPI) -- Actress and producer Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, her It Ends with Us director and co-star, have settled their lawsuit two weeks ahead of a scheduled federal jury trial.
The settlement ends an 18-month legal battle that saw Lively accuse Baldoni of sexual harassment on the 2024 film's set, then hiring a publicity team to tarnish her reputation online when she complained about it.
Baldoni counter-sued Lively for defamation, but that lawsuit was quickly dismissed.
The terms of their settlement were not disclosed.
"The end product -- the movie It Ends With Us -- is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life," said a joint statement released by both parties' attorneys on Monday.
"Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors -- and all survivors -- is a goal that we stand behind," the lawyers continued.
"We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online."
Based on Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel of the same name, the film earned more than $350 million at the box office worldwide.
Lively attended the Met Gala in New York City Monday night, just hours after the settlement was announced.
Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively arrive at the 2025 TIME100 gala
Blake Lively (L) and Ryan Reynolds arrive on the red carpet at the 2025 TIME100 Gala at Jazz at the Lincoln Center in New York City on April 24, 2025. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo