Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's Trial Set for March 2026

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are going for a trial on March 9, 2026, a judge said on Monday.

The “It Ends With Us” co-stars are suing each other in federal court in New York. She sued him on December 31 for sexual harassment and retaliation; he fired back two weeks later, accusing her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion.

The judge overseeing both cases, Lewis J. Liman, said Monday that he will hold an initial hearing on February 3.

 At that hearing, Lively’s attorneys are expected to ask for an order constraining Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer, from waging a PR war over the case.

Freedman has said he intends to set up a website to publish evidence rebutting Lively’s harassment claims. Meanwhile, Lively’s attorneys want a protective order that would limit disclosure of discovery materials. 

They also want the judge to remind Freedmen of his obligations under the rules of professional conduct, which bar out-of-court statements that could prejudice a jury.

Freedman has shot back that he has every right to defend his client and argued that Lively’s attorneys worked with the New York Times to publicize her claims.

Last week, Lively’s attorneys, led by Michael Gottlieb, asked for a hearing “as soon as possible” to address Freedman’s media statements. The judge agreed to advance the initial hearing date, originally set for February 12, by nine days. 

Liman plans to consolidate the two federal cases. 

On Monday, the judge asked the parties to set up a briefing schedule that would allow a trial to begin on March 9, 2026. That date could be canceled if the two sides settle then. It could also be postponed if motions and discovery drag on. 

Of note, the judge’s brother is director Doug Liman, who filmed a pro-Obama political ad that featured Lively in 2008.