A judge has delayed The Lively vs. Baldoni trial by almost two months in a discovery hearing this morning in New York City. The judge has also urged the two parties to come to a settlement ahead of the trial. The high-profile trial featuring Hollywood star Blake Lively will now begin on May 18, 2026.
Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni trial delayed until May 2026
With anticipation surrounding the Baldoni trial, a new development has left the case at a standstill for now. During the discovery hearing this morning in New York City, Judge Lewis Liman announced to the assembled attorneys for Lively and Baldoni that “as important as this case is,” he has to postpone the date of the hearing to May 18, 2026. This is because “criminal trials take precedent” in a packed court system (via Deadline).
The trial was originally set for March 9, 2026.
The judge has also insisted that both parties reach a settlement ahead of the trial, which would streamline the process. However, Blake Lively has previously made it clear that she was not looking to reach any settlement with the It Ends With Us director.
The actress is seeking damages in the zone of $500 million for harm to her reputation, brand, businesses, and stress on her and Ryan Reynolds’ family. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit was dismissed by a judge earlier this year.
As it stands, it does not look like a settlement will come from either side. A delayed trial appears to be the only path forward.
Blake Lively has accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during the filming of It Ends with Us. She also accused the director of orchestrating a subsequent retaliatory smear campaign against her, which damaged her reputation.
More details about the trial should arrive soon.
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on ComingSoon.
