Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds Face Legal Battle Over Film Set Allegations

NEW YORK, NY – Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are preparing to seek dismissal of a lawsuit filed against them by Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of Lively’s film “It Ends With Us.” The lawsuit, which includes allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment, is set for a pre-trial conference on Feb. 3, 2025, in New York federal court.

In a letter to Judge Lewis J. Liman, lawyers for Lively and Reynolds stated their intent to move for dismissal of the case. The lawsuit, filed by Baldoni in January 2025, accuses Lively of orchestrating a smear campaign against him, leading to significant professional and financial losses. Baldoni claims he has lost three jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars since Lively first filed her own lawsuit against him in December 2024.

Lively’s initial complaint alleged that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behavior on set, including invading her privacy and pressuring her to lose weight shortly after giving birth. She also accused Baldoni and his team of launching a coordinated PR campaign to damage her reputation. Baldoni has denied these allegations, countering that Lively fabricated stories to seize control of the film and harm his career.

The legal battle has drawn widespread attention, with both sides releasing evidence to support their claims. Baldoni’s team released footage from the film’s set, which they argue shows professional conduct during a controversial slow-dancing scene. Lively’s lawyers, however, maintain that the footage corroborates her discomfort and highlights inappropriate behavior.

Amid the escalating feud, Baldoni’s former publicist, Stephanie Jones, has issued subpoenas to tech companies in an attempt to uncover the source of online posts aimed at damaging both Lively and Baldoni’s reputations. Meanwhile, Lively’s team has accused Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, of making defamatory statements and attempting to influence potential jurors through a website releasing private communications.

The case has also impacted Baldoni’s professional life, with the nonprofit Vital Voices revoking an award previously given to him. The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about workplace dynamics in Hollywood, with several celebrities, including Lively’s “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” co-stars, voicing support for her.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case underscores the complexities of power, reputation, and accountability in the entertainment industry. A trial date has been set for March 9, 2026, with both sides preparing for a protracted legal battle.