It ends with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni dropping legal battle after nearly two years

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It ends with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni dropping legal battle after nearly two years

Writer: Heidi Hsia

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have ended their legal battle

6 May - It looks like the Blake Lively camp and Justin Baldoni supporters will not get the chance to see another Depp vs Heard situation, after it was revealed that the two parties have decided to resolve things sans federal trial.

In a joint statement released by the two parties on 4 May, they stated, "The end product - the movie 'It Ends With Us' - is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors - and all survivors - is a goal that we stand behind."

"We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognise concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online."

The settlement came after Judge Lewis Liman threw out 10 of Lively's 13 civil claims, including all of her claims of harassment, leaving only three claims of retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation, and breach of contract.

Jury selection was supposed to be held on 18 May prior to the news.

Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Studios were affected by harassment accusations made by Blake Lively

Blake Lively started the legal war in December 2024 when she filed an administrative complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, while also having the New York Times publishing a lengthy article titled "We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine".

In return, Justin Baldoni responded with a defamation lawsuit against Lively and the New York Times. However, his suit was thrown out as the judge ruled that Lively and the NYT were both protected by privileges covering litigation and reporting on litigation.