Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have rejected settlement talks in their ongoing legal dispute, setting the stage for a trial on May 18. The case centers on Lively's allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation by Baldoni during the filming of It Ends With Us, as well as claims of a smear campaign against her. A federal judge previously dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims, including all sexual harassment allegations, leaving only three counts related to the alleged smear campaign for trial.
The two sides met with a judge in New York on Monday to discuss settlement options, but no agreement was reached. Both parties declined to end the case, which could have significant reputational and financial consequences for Lively if she loses. Legal experts have warned that a trial outcome favoring Baldoni could damage Lively's public image, comparing potential fallout to other high-profile courtroom defeats.
Lively's legal team has adopted a defiant stance, with her recent statement referencing a 'dragon attack' as a metaphor for her continued fight. Crisis management experts caution that an aggressive approach may not be the safest strategy for a celebrity in such a high-stakes case. The trial will now proceed, with both sides preparing their arguments and evidence for the upcoming court proceedings.