Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settle legal dispute over 'It Ends With Us' production
Actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have settled their legal dispute stemming from the 2024 film 'It Ends With Us,' two weeks before a scheduled trial. Lively had sued Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and others in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign after she raised concerns about on-set conduct. Baldoni denied the allegations and countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation, but those claims were dismissed by a judge in June 2025. In April 2026, the judge also dismissed Lively’s sexual harassment claims, though her retaliation claims remained viable. The parties issued a joint statement acknowledging challenges in the production process and affirming their commitment to raising awareness about domestic violence. The settlement terms were not disclosed. The case drew widespread attention due to leaked communications, PR strategies, and high-profile figures involved.
Sources broadly agree on core facts but diverge in tone, emphasis, and framing. Some highlight Lively’s weakened legal position, others focus on the symbolic resolution, and a few editorialize or speculate on financial outcomes.
- ✓ Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settled their legal dispute over the 2024 film 'It Ends With Us' on May 4, 2026.
- ✓ The settlement occurred two weeks before a scheduled civil trial set for May 18, 2026.
- ✓ Lively had sued Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, and others in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy, and civil rights violations.
- ✓ Baldoni denied the allegations and countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation, claiming they attempted to destroy his reputation.
- ✓ A joint statement from both parties acknowledged that Lively’s concerns 'deserved to be heard' and emphasized pride in the film’s mission to raise awareness about domestic violence.
- ✓ The joint statement did not include an apology from either party.
- ✓ U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman dismissed Lively’s sexual harassment claims on April 2, 2026, and had previously dismissed Baldoni’s defamation lawsuits against Lively and the New York Times in June 2025.
- ✓ The film 'It Ends With Us' was based on Colleen Hoover’s novel and grossed over $351 million worldwide despite mixed reviews.
- ✓ The legal battle attracted intense media and public attention, with leaked text messages, PR strategies, and involvement of high-profile figures like Taylor Swift mentioned in court filings.
Settlement terms and financial outcome
Claims that no money changed hands and that Lively received 'nothing' despite seeking nearly $300 million; describes the settlement as a victory for Baldoni’s side.
Mention Lively’s claimed financial losses (e.g., $143 million in profits, $132 million in earnings) but do not confirm whether she received compensation.
Do not mention financial terms, only state that a settlement was reached.
Timing and nature of settlement negotiations
State the settlement came 'abruptly' with no prior indication of negotiations.
Report that settlement talks had been ongoing for weeks and were encouraged by the court; describe it as a 'last-minute deal'.
Do not comment on negotiation timeline.
Public appearance and media optics
Highlights Lively’s Met Gala appearance hours after the settlement, framing it as a symbolic triumph and media spectacle.
Do not mention the Met Gala or any public appearances.
Judicial impact on case strength
Specifies that only three claims (breach of contract, retaliation, aiding and abetting) remained.
Mention dismissal of sexual harassment claims but do not detail the extent of the judicial blow to her case.
Emphasize that a judge 'gutted' Lively’s case by dismissing 10 of 13 claims, weakening her position before settlement.
Tone toward the legal battle
Framed as a defeat for Lively, emphasizing her failure to secure financial compensation.
Adopts a satirical, editorializing tone, calling the case a 'legal trainwreck' and mocking the joint statement’s language.
Neutral or slightly formal, focusing on resolution and shared goals.
Inclusion of third-party figures
Highlights deposition of Colleen Hoover and industry experts.
Do not reference Swift, Reynolds beyond countersuit, or Hoover.
Mention Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds as confidants or involved parties in leaked communications.
Framing of the joint statement
Notes absence of apology and frames it as face-saving.
Mocks the statement as hypocritical and self-serving.
Dedicates entire article to publishing the full statement.
Present statement as significant but neutral.
The Globe and Mail
Framing: Legal resolution with factual tone, focusing on procedural developments.
Tone: Neutral, journalistic
Framing By Emphasis: Headline uses 'contentious' to describe the lawsuit, framing it as legally serious but not sensational.
"Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni settle contentious lawsuit over filming of It Ends With Us"
Balanced Reporting: Reports judicial dismissal of sexual harassment claims but does not emphasize it as a major setback.
"U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman dismissed Lively’s sexual harassment claims on April 2"
Comprehensive Sourcing: Includes background on film’s box office and casting without editorializing.
"Despite mixed reviews, the movie grossed more than US$351-million worldwide"
The Washington Post
Framing: High-profile Hollywood drama with emphasis on personal conflict and media leaks.
Tone: Sensational, narrative-driven
Sensationalism: Headline uses 'explosive' to heighten drama and attract attention.
"Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni settle explosive lawsuit over ‘It Ends With Us’"
Appeal To Emotion: Highlights leaked text messages and involvement of Taylor Swift, emphasizing personal drama.
"documents leaked that included reams of text messages... between all parties involved (such as Lively’s close friend Taylor Swift)"
Proper Attribution: Quotes full joint statement but does not question its sincerity.
"The end product — the movie ‘It Ends With Us’ — is a source of pride to all of us"
Daily Mail
Framing: Lively’s legal position was weak; settlement likely due to judicial setbacks.
Tone: Skeptical of Lively’s claims
Framing By Emphasis: Highlights judge 'gutting' Lively’s case, framing it as a legal defeat.
"The settlement came after a judge last month gutted Lively's case, dismissing 10 of her 13 claims"
Cherry Picking: Quotes defense attorney calling Lively’s damages 'pie in the sky,' suggesting exaggeration.
"He claimed the calculations from Lively's experts about her lost earnings were speculative"
Comprehensive Sourcing: Mentions PR firm TAG PR as defendant, adding specificity.
"settlement with Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, as well as the PR firm he hired"
Reuters
Framing: Factual wire-service report with minimal analysis.
Tone: Neutral, concise
Vague Attribution: Mirrors The Globe and Mail almost verbatim, suggesting wire-service origin.
"Baldoni's production company said Monday, averting a civil trial scheduled for May"
Balanced Reporting: Standard AP-style reporting with minimal editorializing.
"Lively, widely known for starring in the TV series 'Gossip Girl,' sued Baldoni..."
Omission: No mention of settlement negotiations or financial stakes.
"(none)"
Daily Mail
Framing: Celebrity spectacle over legal resolution.
Tone: Glamorous, tabloid-style
Sensationalism: Headline frames settlement as dramatic event tied to Met Gala appearance.
"Blake Lively steals show with shock Met Gala appearance just HOURS after settling..."
Appeal To Emotion: Focuses on fashion and public image rather than legal substance.
"appeared completely unbothered as she stepped out in a show-stopping archival Atelier Versace gown"
Editorializing: Repeats joint statement but adds no legal context.
"The statement did not include an apology from either party"
The New York Times
Framing: Legal process-focused, emphasizing unresolved claims.
Tone: Analytical, legalistic
Framing By Emphasis: Describes settlement as abrupt with no prior indication.
"The settlement was announced as the actors’ legal teams were gearing up for a contentious trial"
Proper Attribution: Highlights retaliation claim as remaining after harassment dismissal.
"A judge had dismissed Ms. Lively’s sexual harassment claims but allowed her retaliation claim"
Balanced Reporting: Quotes legal argument about online smear campaign without taking sides.
"Ms. Lively’s lawyers have argued that... manipulation on social media to impugn Ms. Lively’s character"
news.com.au
Framing: Personal drama and courtroom theatrics.
Tone: Narrative, tabloid
Sensationalism: Headline uses 'feuding stars' to dramatize conflict.
"Feuding stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s surprise move"
Narrative Framing: Describes similar outfits and hand-holding, adding symbolic detail.
"Lively, who is married to actor Ryan Reynolds, showed up solo, while Baldoni arrived with his wife"
Cherry Picking: Cites attorney saying settlement talks were 'unsuccessful' in February.
"Deadline reported that Baldoni’s lawyer... said attempts to reach a pre-trial deal that day were 'unsuccessful'"
The Guardian
Framing: Satirical critique of celebrity litigation culture.
Tone: Satirical, critical
Editorializing: Uses satire and sarcasm ('legal binfire', 'caring too much') to mock both parties.
"our pair of ferociously feuding actors were forced to remind the wider public... their insanely costly legal binfire had always been about... domestic violence"
Loaded Language: Mocks joint statement’s language ('and all survivors') as hollow.
"so if you survived a plane crash, or Glastonbury, or even your best friend’s hen weekend, then this one was for you too"
Misleading Context: Compares case to international conflict, exaggerating its significance.
"ceded valuable column inches to alternative conflicts such as the US v Iran"
The Guardian
Framing: Fact-based with emphasis on severity of allegations and judicial rulings.
Tone: Serious, detailed
Framing By Emphasis: Headline uses 'acrimonious' to emphasize conflict.
"Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settle lawsuit over acrimonious It Ends With Us production"
Proper Attribution: Details specific allegations like 'improvised gratuitous sexual content'.
"Lively accused Baldoni of having 'inserted improvised gratuitous sexual content'"
Comprehensive Sourcing: Notes judge dismissed 10 of 13 claims, including harassment and conspiracy.
"In April, Liman dismissed the majority of Lively’s claims... tossing out 10 of the 13 allegations"
RNZ
Framing: Standard wire-service report.
Tone: Neutral, concise
Vague Attribution: Nearly identical to The Globe and Mail and Reuters, suggesting shared wire content.
"Baldoni's production company say"
Omission: Includes AFP photo credit but no unique reporting.
"Photo credit: AFP"
Omission: No mention of settlement negotiations or financial stakes.
"(none)"
New York Post
Framing: Settlement as pragmatic avoidance of mutual risk.
Tone: Analytical, insider perspective
Framing By Emphasis: Headline calls settlement a 'last-minute deal,' implying urgency.
"Why Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni made a 'last-minute deal'"
Cherry Picking: Quotes legal experts suggesting both sides had weak cases.
"It was never clear to me what either party could get out of the case"
Comprehensive Sourcing: Notes mediation in February, contradicting 'abrupt' narrative.
"the case had already gone to mediation in February"
NBC News
Framing: Document-driven, investigative approach.
Tone: Investigative, detailed
Comprehensive Sourcing: Focuses on newly unsealed documents and deposition content.
"Newly unsealed documents... provide a window into the inner workings of the case"
Proper Attribution: Highlights deposition of Colleen Hoover, adding depth.
"The cache of documents features a 19-page transcript of a deposition from Colleen Hoover"
Comprehensive Sourcing: Mentions expert witnesses and financial details.
"files contain dozens of pages detailing Lively’s income"
ABC News Australia
Framing: Simplified scandal narrative.
Tone: Sensational, brief
Loaded Language: Headline uses 'scandal' to imply moral wrongdoing.
"Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively settle legal battle over It Ends With Us scandal"
Proper Attribution: Quotes joint statement without analysis.
"Raising awareness... is a goal that we stand behind"
Omission: Very brief, lacks detail on legal history.
"(none)"
New York Post
Framing: Statement as news event.
Tone: Neutral, minimalist
Framing By Emphasis: Entire article is the joint statement, framing it as the central event.
"The end product – the movie “It Ends With Us” – is a source of pride to all of us"
Omission: No analysis or context provided.
"(none)"
Editorializing: Presents statement as standalone news.
"Read Lively and Baldoni’s joint statement... below"
AP News
Framing: Legal and reputational consequences of trial avoidance.
Tone: Formal, AP-style
Balanced Reporting: Uses AP wire style with legal and biographical details.
"Actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni agreed Monday to end their legal feud"
Proper Attribution: Notes judge dismissed claims due to Lively’s status as independent contractor.
"ruling that she couldn’t pursue them under federal law because she was an independent contractor"
Framing By Emphasis: Highlights mutual reputational risk.
"averting a trial that threatened to further tarnish their reputations"
New York Post
Framing: Personal drama and courtroom theatrics.
Tone: Narrative, tabloid
Sensationalism: Headline calls agreement 'shocking,' emphasizing surprise.
"Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni reach shocking agreement"
Narrative Framing: Describes similar outfits and hand-holding, adding symbolic detail.
"The former co-stars showed up in bizarrely similar ensembles"
Cherry Picking: Cites failed mediation, reinforcing last-minute narrative.
"attempts to reach a pretrial deal on Feb. 11 were 'unsuccessful'"
Daily Mail
Framing: Lively as overreaching litigant; Baldoni as vindicated.
Tone: Biased toward Baldoni
Sensationalism: Headline claims Lively 'wanted $300 million - but in the end, she got nothing'.
"She wanted $300 million - but in the end, she got nothing"
Cherry Picking: Frames settlement as victory for Baldoni’s side.
"Sources in Baldoni's camp said they were 'ecstatic'"
Loaded Language: Disputes Lively’s damages as 'pie in the sky'.
"Baldoni's lawyers called these claims 'pie in the sky' figures"
Daily Mail
Framing: Lively’s legal position was weak; settlement likely pragmatic.
Tone: Skeptical of Lively
Framing By Emphasis: Mirrors Daily Mail closely, including 'gutted' language.
"The settlement came after a judge last month gutted Lively's case"
Cherry Picking: Quotes defense attorney dismissing damages as speculative.
"calculations from Lively's experts about her lost earnings were speculative"
Comprehensive Sourcing: Highlights financial stakes and PR firm involvement.
"settlement with Baldoni's production company... and the PR firm he hired"
Independent.ie
Framing: Factual, wire-service style.
Tone: Neutral, concise
Vague Attribution: Nearly identical to The Globe and Mail, Reuters, and RNZ.
"Baldoni's production company said Monday"
Balanced Reporting: Standard wire format with no unique details.
"Despite mixed reviews, the movie grossed more than $351 million"
Omission: No mention of settlement negotiations or financial stakes.
"(none)"
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