Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni Last Minute Talks Fail, Trial Looms Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are set to proceed to trial on the actress’s retaliation and defamation claims against the actor, despite a federal judge’s repeated efforts to facilitate a settlement. Lawyers for both parties were ordered to participate in a conference call with Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave on Monday afternoon to disclose their updated settlement positions. However, both sides rejected any possibility of a deal, leaving the May 18 trial as the next step in the legal battle. The failed settlement talks come days after Judge Lewis Liman, who previously dismissed 10 of Lively’s 13 claims against Baldoni and his associates, ruled that her sexual harassment allegations lacked jurisdictional and contractual grounds. Lively’s case, which centered on claims of a preemptive online smear campaign orchestrated by Baldoni’s public relations team, now hinges on the remaining allegations of astroturfing—artificially manufactured public opinion. Lively has emphasized that this claim has always been the core of her case, framing it as a fight against systems that seek to silence victims. During Monday’s call, Judge Cave attempted to identify common ground between the parties to avoid the trial, but both sides remained firm. Lively’s legal team, represented by her former agent and manager, has consistently argued that Baldoni’s team engaged in coordinated efforts to damage her reputation before the premiere of It Ends With Us, a Sony-distributed film. Meanwhile, Baldoni’s legal team has maintained that the allegations are unfounded and lack credible evidence. Lively’s recent social media posts further underscore her resolve.#sony #blake_lively #justin_baldoni #judge_sarah_l_cave #judge_lewis_liman
