May 05, (THEWILL) — Co-stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, have reached a settlement in their legal dispute tied to the 2024 film “It Ends With Us.”
The agreement was announced on May 4, 2026, just two weeks before a trial was scheduled to begin in New York. Details of the settlement were not disclosed.
In a joint statement, attorneys for both sides said the film “is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life”. They added that raising awareness about domestic violence “is a goal that we stand behind”.
The statement also acknowledged that the production “presented challenges” and said the “concerns raised by Ms Lively deserved to be heard”. It concluded with both parties expressing hope for “closure” and a chance to “move forward constructively and in peace”.
The dispute began in late 2024. Lively sued Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, accusing him of harassment, sexual misconduct and a smear campaign. Baldoni denied the claims and filed a countersuit.
In April 2026, a judge dismissed most of Lively’s claims, including harassment and defamation. Three claims against Wayfarer Studios remained: breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting retaliation.
Baldoni’s counter-lawsuit, including a defamation claim against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and others, was also dismissed.
The case centred on events during the filming of “It Ends With Us”, based on the novel by Colleen Hoover. The story follows a woman confronting cycles of domestic abuse.
The trial had been set for May 18, with both Lively and Baldoni expected to testify.
Hours after the settlement was announced, Lively appeared at the Met Gala in New York, marking a public moment that many viewed as symbolic of a new chapter following the dispute.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
