Blake Lively Escalates Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni Ahead of 2026 Trial

Actress Blake Lively has launched a new legal offensive against her former co-star Justin Baldoni. The move comes as their ongoing lawsuit heads toward a trial date in 2026. Lively’s legal team filed a formal complaint with the presiding judge this week. The documents accuse Baldoni’s lawyers of inappropriate conduct during depositions.

The complaint represents a significant escalation in the long-running dispute. It seeks financial sanctions against the opposing counsel. This legal maneuvering occurs just months before a scheduled settlement conference.

Allegations of “Basic Lack of Decorum” in Court Proceedings

According to the filed letter, Lively’s attorney criticized the defense’s behavior. He cited a “basic lack of decorum” during key deposition sessions. The documents were obtained and reviewed by People Magazine.

Lively’s lawyer, Michael J. Gottlieb, detailed the alleged misconduct. He claimed multiple defense lawyers made improper “speaking objections.” He also said they consumed record time with demeaning oratory. The filing states these actions continued despite previous objections.

Core Dispute Centers on Personal Questioning

The heart of the new challenge involves the line of questioning from Baldoni’s team. Lively’s attorneys state they previously asked for a stop to certain inquiries. These questions reportedly concerned the actress’s romantic and sexual history.

That request was allegedly made in September. The new filing states the objectionable questioning continued regardless. Lively’s team is now demanding sanctions for this alleged obstruction. They seek payment for associated legal fees and other case expenses.

The trial itself was recently postponed. It is now set to begin on May 18, 2026. The court had initially scheduled it for March of that year. A settlement conference is planned for February 2026, just ahead of the trial.

This latest filing ensures the legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will remain intensely contested. The 2026 trial date now looms as a definitive moment for resolving their complex lawsuit.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit about?

The lawsuit involves undisclosed allegations between the former co-stars. Public filings show it has led to contentious legal maneuvers, including this latest challenge over deposition conduct. The exact nature of the original complaint remains detailed in sealed court documents.

When is the trial scheduled?

The trial is currently scheduled for May 18, 2026. This date is a postponement from an initial March 2026 setting. The parties are ordered to attend a settlement conference in February 2026.

What are the new allegations from Blake Lively’s side?

Lively’s legal team alleges misconduct by Baldoni’s lawyers during depositions. They cite a “basic lack of decorum” and claim attorneys asked inappropriate questions about Lively’s personal history despite prior objections.

What is being requested in the new filing?

The filing requests sanctions against Baldoni’s legal counsel. It specifically seeks payment for Lively’s legal fees and other costs incurred due to the alleged obstructive behavior during the discovery process.

Have Blake Lively or Justin Baldoni commented publicly?

Neither star has made recent public statements regarding this specific legal filing. The information comes from court documents obtained by media outlets like People Magazine.