Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni Negotiations Stall
Negotiations between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni regarding a sexual harassment lawsuit stalled recently after a mediation session in federal court failed to yield a resolution. The co-stars of “It Ends With Us” appeared in a New York courthouse for a daylong mediation but concluded without a settlement.
Details of the Mediation Session
On Friday, both actors entered the courthouse and remained in separate courtrooms throughout the day. The mediation was conducted by Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave, a standard procedure during federal cases. Despite prior discussions, there were no signs that the parties anticipated a successful outcome.
Statements from Legal Representatives
- Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, confirmed no agreement had been reached.
- Freedman expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a deal, stating, “I do. We’re looking forward to it,” when questioned if the case would go to trial.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Lively has accused Baldoni of harassing her on the set of their film and creating a public smear campaign against her after she reported the conduct. As the case proceeds, a trial is scheduled for May 18.
Current Status of the Case
Judge Lewis Liman is deliberating whether to dismiss or significantly reduce Lively’s complaint prior to the trial. Baldoni’s legal team has argued in a summary judgment motion that Lively’s allegations do not meet the legal threshold for harassment.
Conversely, Lively’s representatives have highlighted additional complaints from other actors regarding Baldoni’s behavior on set. They assert that these allegations warrant consideration by a jury.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The ongoing litigation illustrates the complexities of such allegations in Hollywood. With a trial date approaching, both sides will prepare for the next stage of legal proceedings, potentially bringing the contentious issues to a jury for resolution.
