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Just days before a scheduled trial, actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni quietly resolved a nearly two-year legal battle tied to the 2024 film It Ends With Us. The surprise settlement ends a high-profile dispute that tangled allegations of misconduct, counterclaims and questions about on-set behavior for a movie that became a cultural touchstone.
Agreement announced, studio and stars signal a shared aim
Attorneys for Lively and Wayfarer Studios issued a joint statement saying the film remains a source of pride for everyone involved. The statement emphasized the project’s ambition to raise awareness about domestic violence and to support survivors.
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The movie, based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, earned more than $350 million worldwide, making it one of the year’s biggest box-office stories. The legal terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Allegations that led to the lawsuit
Lively had accused Baldoni, who directed and starred in the film, of creating a hostile work environment. In court filings she described a number of incidents she said crossed professional lines.
- She alleged a discussion in which Baldoni disclosed he struggled with pornography and then told crew that Lively had never seen pornography.
- She reported uninvited, improvised physical contact during filming.
- She cited comments about her appearance and an episode in which a studio executive entered her trailer while she was not fully dressed.
How the courts responded
In April, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Baldoni. The judge’s ruling narrowed the issues still active in court but left intact other allegations Lively had made about retaliation and breach of contract.
Counterclaims and other legal actions
Baldoni strongly denied the harassment allegations and filed a countersuit that named Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. That countersuit was later dismissed.
Lively also alleged that Wayfarer Studios, producers and a public relations firm, The Agency Group, retaliated after she raised concerns. Those retaliation and contract claims were scheduled for a jury trial but will not proceed now that both sides have settled.
Key developments at a glance
- 2016: Colleen Hoover publishes the novel that inspired the film.
- 2024: It Ends With Us is released and grosses over $350 million worldwide.
- Nearly two years: Length of the legal dispute that followed production.
- April (year): Judge Liman dismisses the sexual harassment claims.
- Two weeks before trial: Parties announce a settlement; terms remain private.
What the statement emphasized about workplace culture
Both sides stressed a commitment to safe and professional working environments. Their joint message acknowledged the challenges of the process and said concerns raised by Lively deserved attention.
They expressed hope the agreement would allow all parties to move forward constructively and foster respectful interaction online and off.
