Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively remain locked in a high-stakes legal battle, as Lively’s team recently filed a motion demanding millions in legal fees and punitive damages, citing Baldoni’s dismissed $400 million countersuit as a retaliatory and baseless attack.

What began as a promising collaboration on the film It Ends With Us has spiraled into one of the most explosive legal dramas in recent Hollywood history. Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively—once co-stars—are now adversaries in a courtroom battle that has entangled celebrities, fractured friendships, and exposed the darker side of fame.

The Lawsuit That Sparked It All

In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging inappropriate behavior and a hostile work environment during the filming of It Ends With Us. The complaint also accused Baldoni and his team of orchestrating a smear campaign to damage her reputation.

Baldoni responded with a $400 million defamation countersuit in January 2025, targeting Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. He claimed the trio conspired to ruin his career. That lawsuit was dismissed by a judge in June—but the damage was already done.

New Allegations & Rising Tensions

The drama escalated in September 2025 when fresh accusations surfaced. An unnamed individual alleged repeated verbal abuse by Baldoni and claimed he was barred from the set for most of the production. Actress Isabela Ferrer also accused Baldoni of harassment after being subpoenaed in connection with Lively’s case.

Baldoni’s legal team denied these claims, stating they had minimal contact with Ferrer’s attorneys and were ignored.

Cryptic Messages & Celebrity Fallout

Court documents revealed personal text exchanges between Lively and Baldoni, including one where Lively cryptically wrote, “I happen to have a few dragons… my dragons also protect those I fight for”. The message, referencing her then-close friend Taylor Swift, added fuel to speculation about Swift’s involvement.

Swift was subpoenaed in May and later dropped from the case, but the fallout was real. Sources say her friendship with Lively has “halted,” with Swift reportedly furious over being dragged into the legal chaos.

Perez Hilton Enters the Fray

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was also subpoenaed by Lively’s team for unpublished communications. Outside the courthouse, Hilton mocked Lively, claiming she had inadvertently boosted his relevance. He vowed to fight the subpoena, citing journalist protections under Nevada law.

What’s Next?

The trial is set for March 9, 2026, and both sides appear unwilling to back down. With new filings, protective orders, and public statements flying, the case is shaping up to be a landmark moment in celebrity legal history.

Beyond the Headlines

This saga isn’t just about two stars—it’s about power, reputation, and the cost of speaking out. As Hollywood watches closely, the Baldoni–Lively feud reminds us that behind the glitz, the stakes can be deeply personal and painfully public.

Want a timeline of events or a deeper dive into how this compares to other celebrity legal battles? I can pull that together for you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively Legal Battle

1. What is the origin of the legal dispute between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?

The conflict began during the production of It Ends With Us, when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. She also alleged that Baldoni and his team attempted to damage her reputation through a smear campaign.

2. How did Baldoni respond to the allegations?

In January 2025, Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. He claimed they conspired to ruin his career. However, that countersuit was dismissed by a judge in June 2025.

3. Are other celebrities involved in the case?

Yes. Taylor Swift was subpoenaed due to her close friendship with Lively and cryptic messages referencing her. Swift was later dropped from the case. Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was also subpoenaed for unpublished communications and has publicly criticized Lively for involving him.

4. What new allegations have surfaced?

In September 2025, additional claims emerged, including verbal abuse by Baldoni and harassment accusations from actress Isabela Ferrer. Baldoni’s legal team has denied these allegations and questioned the credibility of the sources.

5. What role did Ryan Reynolds play in the case?

Reynolds was named in Baldoni’s defamation countersuit, accused of participating in the alleged smear campaign. While the countersuit was dismissed, his involvement remains a point of public interest.

6. Has the legal battle affected the release of It Ends With Us?

Yes. The film’s promotional campaign was significantly disrupted, and its release was overshadowed by the legal drama. Public reception has been mixed, with many fans divided over the allegations.

7. When is the trial scheduled to begin?

The trial is set for March 9, 2026, and is expected to last several weeks. Both parties have filed extensive documentation and protective orders in preparation.

8. What are the broader implications of this case?

This legal battle highlights issues of workplace conduct, celebrity influence, and the power dynamics within Hollywood. It may set precedents for how personal disputes are handled in high-profile productions.