Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Settlement Talks Collapse as Trial Date Looms

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni came face-to-face in a New York federal courthouse this week for a court-ordered settlement conference tied to their ongoing legal dispute over It Ends With Us. The meeting was not a trial, but it marked a serious step in a case that has already dragged on for over a year and pulled Hollywood headlines along with it. Cameras waited outside. Social media exploded. And even the smallest details — who arrived with whom, what they wore, and who was missing — became part of the conversation.

What Happened at the Courthouse

Both actors arrived on the morning of February 11 for a settlement conference overseen by a U.S. magistrate judge. These meetings are standard in civil lawsuits and are meant to see if both sides can reach an agreement without going to trial.

Blake Lively arrived alone, wearing a pale green suit. Justin Baldoni arrived holding hands with his wife, Emily Baldoni. The visual contrast immediately fueled online debate, even though legally it had no impact on the proceedings. Inside the courthouse, discussions were confidential. By law, anything said during a settlement conference cannot be used later in court if the case continues.

The judge currently presiding over the broader lawsuit has not yet ruled on Baldoni’s pending summary judgment motion, which could narrow or dismiss parts of the case before trial.

The Legal Stakes Behind the Headlines

The dispute dates back to December 2024, when Lively filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation connected to the film. Baldoni denied the claims and later filed a $400 million countersuit, which was eventually dismissed. Lively has also alleged major financial losses tied to what she describes as a retaliatory smear campaign.

Legal experts say settlement conferences often last a full day and can stretch longer. Many civil cases do end at this stage because both parties grow tired of legal fees and uncertainty. But celebrity cases carry a different weight. Reputation, public image, and future career impact often matter as much as money. Even if one side “wins” legally, the court of public opinion can tell a different story.

The settlement talks ended without a deal. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni spent several hours in a court-ordered mediation session on February 11, but their legal teams were unable to reach a settlement, and the case is now expected to proceed to a trial scheduled for May 18, 2026.

Optics, Commentary, and the Social Media Storm

While the legal process focused on negotiation, the outside world focused on symbolism. Many quickly dissected Lively arriving alone versus Baldoni appearing with his spouse. Some framed it as a show of strength. Others saw vulnerability. Her choice of a structured suit sparked comparisons to past celebrity courtroom fashion moments and led to speculation that every detail was intentional.

Another talking point was the absence of Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds. Online voices questioned why he did not appear publicly that day, especially given his past statements about supporting his wife. At the same time, entertainment outlets and gossip platforms circulated stories about shifting Hollywood alliances, rumored friendship tensions, and unrelated lawsuits involving public-relations figures. None of those claims are part of the court record, but they shaped the wider narrative.

The result is a case where legal facts and public commentary now move side by side. Inside the courtroom, the focus remains on evidence, motions, and negotiations. Outside, the conversation revolves around loyalty, image, and what each appearance might signal. Whether a settlement emerges or the case heads to trial, the spotlight is unlikely to fade anytime soon.