Blake Lively’s Legal Team Claims Justin Baldoni’s Crew Destroyed Evidence in Case Against ‘It Ends With Us’ Director
Upcoming Trial Highlights Claims Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over allegations of sexual harassment and a smear campaign is set to go to trial on May 18, 2026, as both parties navigate court-ordered settlement discussions. A recent hearing may offer insights into the potential outcomes of this high-profile case surrounding the film It Ends With Us.
During a summary judgment session on Thursday, Judge Lewis Liman did not issue a ruling nor provide a timeline for when one might come. Lively and Baldoni were notably absent from the hearing. Baldoni’s attorney, Jonathan Bach, argued for the dismissal of Lively’s case, contending that she was aware of the circumstances and conditions of her role in the Wayfarer Studios-produced and Sony-distributed film.
Bach remarked that Lively was cast to illustrate a “steamy and turbulent romance” within the film. This assertion prompted a skeptical response from Judge Liman, who questioned whether Bach’s logic implies that acting subjects one to sexual harassment. While Bach denied this suggestion, he emphasized, “context matters.”
Bach further characterized Lively’s grievances as “small potatoes,” primarily involving “trivial things and petty slights.” However, Judge Liman expressed his disagreement, stating, “A whole bunch of little things can add up to a big thing."
In rebuttal, Lively’s attorney, Esra Hudson, maintained that the workplace environment does not excuse the conduct of the defendants. The four-hour hearing, held at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in New York City, deliberated on issues of contract law and potential sanctions for evidence spoliation.
Described by Judge Liman as a “feud between PR firms,” the claims of misconduct related to It Ends With Us were initially brought to public attention through a December 2024 complaint filed by Lively with the California Civil Rights Department. The evolving legal skirmish includes Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit, which was dismissed in June 2025, centered around allegations of attacks against Lively prior to the film’s premiere in August 2024.
The recent hearing focused on allegations of social media manipulation following Lively’s accusations against Baldoni. During the proceedings, Lively’s attorney, Matthew Bruno, argued that the defendants had a responsibility to preserve evidence, specifically regarding communications through the messaging app Signal, which automatically deletes messages. Bruno described the absence of these communications as creating an “evidentiary gap.”
In contrast, Baldoni and his team denied any orchestrated smear campaign against Lively, claiming they did not require such tactics due to pre-existing negative sentiment directed at the actress.
Amid the ongoing legal discourse, Lively’s team recently unsealed numerous documents revealing extensive communications, including references from prominent figures like Taylor Swift chastising Baldoni. This disclosure has raised concerns about the implications for Baldoni and his associates.
Outside the courthouse, Lively’s attorney Sigrid McCawley expressed her client’s determination to pursue the case at trial. "She really has mountains of strong evidence," McCawley stated. "She feels very good about her claims, and she wants to send a message to all women, that if you are wronged and harmed in the workplace, you can stand up for yourself."
When questioned about the potential testimony of celebrity friends involved, McCawley noted that Lively aims to protect her friends from unnecessary association with the case, emphasizing that Baldoni’s parties introduced certain evidence into the proceedings.
With a summary judgment ruling anticipated, a settlement hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, with both Lively and Baldoni expected to appear.
