What's happened
Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit against director Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a campaign to damage her reputation after her complaints about his conduct on the set of their 2024 film. The case is currently in settlement talks ahead of a scheduled trial in May 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The case highlights ongoing issues of gender and power in Hollywood, with high-profile figures like Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds involved indirectly. The lengthy settlement talks suggest both sides are eager to avoid a public trial, which could expose industry misconduct. The case's prominence underscores how legal battles now serve as battlegrounds for broader industry reform. The outcome will likely influence future workplace conduct policies and the handling of harassment allegations in entertainment. The involvement of celebrities and the potential for a high-profile trial make this a pivotal moment for Hollywood's accountability and transparency.
What the papers say
Sky News reports that the legal proceedings lasted over six hours, with the stars leaving separately and no immediate settlement reached. The Independent emphasizes the high-profile nature of the case, involving numerous celebrities and industry figures, and notes the case's potential to reshape Hollywood's approach to harassment claims. AP News confirms Lively's allegations of harassment and Baldoni's counter-suit, which was dismissed last year. Business Insider UK highlights the legal maneuvering and the significance of the upcoming trial, scheduled for May, as a critical moment for industry accountability. The coverage from these sources collectively underscores the case's importance in addressing Hollywood's gender and power issues, with the potential to set precedents for how such disputes are handled in the future.
How we got here
The legal dispute stems from the filming of 'It Ends With Us,' released in August 2024, where Lively accused Baldoni of harassment. Baldoni and his studio countersued for defamation and extortion, but that suit was dismissed in June 2025. The case has attracted attention for its implications on Hollywood power dynamics and industry influence.
Go deeper
More on these topics
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Blake Ellender Lively is an American actress. Lively is known for starring as Serena van der Woodsen in the CW drama television series Gossip Girl.
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Justin Louis Baldoni is an American actor, director, and filmmaker. He is best known for portraying Rafael Solano on The CW satirical romantic dramedy Jane the Virgin as well as directing the films Five Feet Apart and Clouds.
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Ryan Rodney Reynolds is a Canadian actor, film producer and entrepreneur. He began his career starring in the Canadian teen soap opera Hillside and had minor roles before landing the lead role on the sitcom Two Guys and a Girl between 1998 and 2001.
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Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter. Her narrative songwriting, which often centers around her personal life, has received widespread media coverage.