Justin Baldoni scored a 'huge victory' in settling Blake Lively legal drama, lawyer says

Derek LawrenceTue, May 5, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC

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Justin Baldoni; Blake LivelyCredit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/GettyKey Points -

Justin Baldoni's lawyer is speaking out after settling the highly publicized legal battle with his It Ends With Us leading lady, Blake Lively.

Bryan Freedman says that the actor is "feeling pretty good."

Baldoni and Lively's representatives previously issued a joint statement saying, "It Ends With Us is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life."

Justin Baldoni's lawyer says the actor-director is "feeling pretty good" in the wake of the resolution of his highly publicized legal battle against his It Ends With Us costar Blake Lively.

"It was a huge victory," attorney Bryan Freedman said on TMZ Live of the recent settlement. "It was an incredible opportunity, and I don't think you pass up an incredible opportunity,"

Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Freedman for comment.

Freedman's remarks come after representatives for Baldoni's Wayfarer Studios and for Lively jointly announced that they'd reached a settlement ahead of an impending trial.

"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," the parties said in a statement. "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 recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard."

They added, "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."

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in 'It Ends With Us'Credit: Nicole Rivelli/Sony Pictures Entertainment

The bitter saga has been in public view for nearly two years. At first, rumors swirled of a feud between Lively and Baldoni as the duo didn't promote their film together, despite Baldoni serving as the director and onscreen love interest to Lively. In December 2024, Lively filed a complaint against him with the California Civil Rights Department alleging sexual harassment and his coordination of a smear campaign.

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In her complaint, Lively alleged that Baldoni engaged in "invasive, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior” and claimed that he hired a crisis relations firm ahead of the movie's premiere to facilitate a "sophisticated, coordinated, and well-financed retaliation plan" against her. Baldoni's attorney described Lively's allegations as "completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious."

Lively would formally sue Baldoni in New York federal court on New Year's Eve. He responded by filing a countersuit against Lively and her, husband Ryan Reynolds, in January 2025, demanding $400 million in damages and accusing them of defamation, civil extortion, breach of contract, and other offenses. Baldoni's lawsuit was thrown out by a judge in June.

Baldoni and Lively were on course for a trial this month that would have focused on her claims of breach of contract, retaliation in violation of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and aiding and abetting in retaliation in violation of FEHA. Judge Lewis Liman recently dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims, including allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy against Baldoni.

Freedman argues that Baldoni "technically" never settled a case, rather that he "won" when the judge gave the summary judgment that excluded the aforementioned accusations.

"He could breathe again," the lawyer said of his client's reaction. "To be accused of sexual harassment on such a public level is devastating. What he went through, I get emotional speaking about it because he's such a great human being and stands for everything that is good about women and supporting women."

Despite all the offscreen drama, It Ends With Us was a commercial success, grossing $351 million at the worldwide box office on a reported $25 million budget. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Colleen Hoover. In most circumstances, the film's financial boom would make a sequel a guarantee, but Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios hold the rights to the follow up novel, It Starts With Us.

on Entertainment Weekly

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