Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: It ends with a settlement

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a settlement that ends the legal battle over Lively’s claim that he conspired with publicists to destroy her reputation.

The agreement allows Lively and Baldoni to avoid a trial that would have brought to light more of Hollywood’s ugliest side and led to more revelations that could damage their reputations.

“Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind. … 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,” Lively and Baldoni wrote in a joint statement.

Lively had accused Baldoni of trying to smear her because she had privately accused him of sexually harassing her while they were making the 2024 film “It Ends with Us,” which starred both actors.

Baldoni, who also directed the film, denied Lively’s allegations and argued the complaints about his behavior were that she was trying to take creative control of the movie.

Each side had some of their claims thrown out by Judge Lewis J. Liman in the months leading up to the trial, including Lively’s sexual harassment allegations. Liman determined she could not pursue them because she was an independent contractor, rather than an employee.

The judge also dismissed the case brought by Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, that accused Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, of extortion and defamation.

Lively had accused Baldoni of making inappropriate comments about her appearance, violating her physical boundaries during a love scene, and pushing for nudity against her wishes during a scene where her character was giving birth. She claimed Baldoni and the studio retaliated against her complaints by trying to turn public opinion against her, including by hiring a “digital army” to produce negative posts about her.

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