Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni Trial Delayed as Judge Cites Packed Court Schedule

A major Hollywood sexual harassment trial has been postponed. The case between actress Blake Lively and actor-director Justin Baldoni will not start in March as planned. The new trial date is now set for May 18, 2026.The delay was ordered by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman. He cited scheduling conflicts with higher-priority criminal trials. This extension prolongs a bitter legal feud that has captivated the entertainment industry.

Core Allegations and Counter-Lawsuits Define the Legal Battle

Blake Lively filed her lawsuit in December 2024. She accuses Justin Baldoni of sexually harassing her during the filming of “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni, who directed the film, has firmly denied all allegations.The conflict escalated quickly in January 2025. Baldoni filed a massive $400 million countersuit. He targeted Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane. His claims included defamation and extortion.According to Reuters, that countersuit was dismissed by Judge Liman in June. A separate $250 million libel claim against The New York Times was also thrown out. The judge found Baldoni’s team failed to show the defendants doubted the truth of their statements.

Public Statements and the Road to a Postponed Trial

The dispute has spilled far beyond the courtroom. Baldoni made headlines by publicly criticizing Lively’s approach. He accused her of “playing the victim” and following a celebrity strategy.He also shared a personal anecdote about a conversation at Lively’s home. The story involved a discussion about circumcision. This unusual detail added another layer of strangeness to the public fallout.The next critical date is January 22, 2026. Both legal teams will argue for summary judgment. This hearing could narrow the issues or even end parts of the case before the rescheduled trial begins.

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The postponed Blake Lively Justin Baldoni trial ensures this Hollywood scandal will remain in the spotlight for months longer. The coming summary judgment arguments may finally determine which claims get their day in court.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why was the Blake Lively trial delayed?

The trial was postponed by the judge due to scheduling conflicts. Criminal cases on the court’s docket take legal precedence over civil matters like this one.

Q2: What are the core allegations in the lawsuit?

Blake Lively alleges Justin Baldoni sexually harassed her during the production of the film “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni has consistently denied these accusations.

Q3: What happened to Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit?

Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni’s counterclaim in June 2025. The judge ruled the filing did not adequately support its allegations of defamation and extortion.

Q4: What did Baldoni say about Lively publicly?

Baldoni accused Lively of “playing the victim.” He compared her public relations strategy to methods used by other famous celebrities, drawing significant media attention.

Q5: What is the next key date in this legal case?

The next major hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2026. Both sides will present oral arguments on motions for summary judgment, which could limit the scope of the eventual trial.

Q6: When is the new trial date scheduled?

The sexual harassment trial is now set to begin on May 18, 2026. This is a postponement from its original start date of March 9, 2026.