Blake Lively vs Justin Baldoni Lawsuit Heads to Trial After Settlement Talks Fail in New York

The high-profile legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is set to move forward to trial after both sides were unable to reach an agreement during a court-ordered settlement conference in New York. The closed-door meeting, held at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan, marked a significant moment in the ongoing case as the two actors appeared in court together for the first time since the lawsuit was filed.

According to developments surrounding the case, attempts to resolve the dispute outside of court did not result in a settlement, paving the way for a full trial scheduled for May 18, 2026. The lawsuit stems from allegations made by Lively, who has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliatory actions and emotional distress. The total damages sought in the case reportedly amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, making it one of the most widely discussed legal battles in the entertainment industry.

Legal representatives for Baldoni confirmed that discussions during the conference were unsuccessful but indicated that negotiations could still occur before the trial date. Despite the lack of resolution, both parties continue to prepare for a courtroom confrontation that is expected to draw significant public attention.

Interest in the case intensified earlier this year after several court documents were unsealed by a federal judge. The newly released materials reportedly include internal communications, emails, voice recordings and text message exchanges connected to the dispute. Some of the documents reference conversations involving prominent entertainment figures, adding further scrutiny and media attention to the proceedings.

Among the unsealed records were messages linked to high-profile personalities such as Taylor Swift, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, which quickly circulated online and sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms. These revelations have amplified public curiosity around the case, though the legal merits will ultimately be determined during the trial process.

The dispute also follows a prior legal development in which a separate defamation lawsuit filed by Baldoni against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, was dismissed by the court last year. While that ruling addressed one aspect of the broader conflict, the current claims brought forward by Lively remain active and will form the central focus of the upcoming trial.

Legal analysts suggest that the failure to reach a settlement indicates that both sides are confident in presenting their arguments before a judge and jury. With multiple filings, high-profile names and extensive media coverage, the case has become one of the most closely watched legal confrontations involving Hollywood figures in recent times.

As the May trial date approaches, attention is likely to remain fixed on new developments, including potential pre-trial motions and additional disclosures. The courtroom proceedings are expected to provide clarity on the allegations and determine the future course of the dispute between the two actors.