Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Clash in Court Over $200 Million Damage Claim

A legal dispute between actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively is moving closer to trial, with both sides arguing over potential damages and what evidence should be allowed in court.

At a hearing on Tuesday, Baldoni’s lawyer criticized Lively’s claim for more than $200 million in damages, calling it unrealistic. He also questioned a claim that Baldoni lost $35 million from a planned sequel or prequel to It Ends With Us that was never made, saying there was no solid basis for that estimate.

Lively’s lawyer responded that Baldoni himself had previously discussed making a sequel and even suggested Lively could direct it.

The case is scheduled to go to trial next month in federal court in Manhattan. Ahead of that, both sides are debating which expert witnesses should be allowed to testify.

Lively claims she suffered major financial losses due to an online smear campaign that she says Baldoni was responsible for. She alleges the backlash damaged her acting career and hurt sales of her businesses, including her Blake Brown hair-care line and Betty Booze beverage brand.

According to her legal team, negative posts on social media in August 2024 caused her to lose between about $40 million and $143 million in expected income. They argue the backlash quickly harmed both her business ventures and her long-established career.

However, Baldoni’s lawyers say there is no proof linking him to the online criticism or to Lively’s financial losses. They also argue that the income projections presented by Lively’s experts are unusually high compared to her past earnings.

They added that the negative attention came around the time of the movie’s release and may have been related to other controversies, including criticism of Lively’s promotion of her alcohol brand alongside a film about domestic violence.

The judge has not yet decided which expert testimony will be allowed. Another hearing is scheduled, and the trial is set to begin on May 18.