NEW YORK (AP) — In a significant legal proceeding, actress Blake Lively and filmmaker Justin Baldoni appeared in a New York courthouse on Wednesday, attempting to negotiate a settlement for Lively's allegations of sexual harassment connected to the production of the upcoming romantic drama, It Ends With Us.
After six hours of discussions, both parties exited the Manhattan federal courthouse without a resolution, with Lively maintaining a serious demeanor, in contrast to Baldoni's lighter expression. According to Baldoni's attorney Bryan Freedman, the negotiations did not yield an agreement, which is typically mandated before a civil case can progress to trial.
The drawn-out litigation, which has persisted for over a year, has attracted considerable media attention, shedding light on dynamics of power, influence, and gender within the entertainment sector.
In her lawsuit, Lively accuses Baldoni and a hired communications expert of harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her following her grievances about Baldoni's conduct on set.
Consistent with California's legal practices, mandatory settlement discussions are generally conducted in private and can preclude public insight into case developments.
Notably, Baldoni responded by filing a countersuit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation and extortion. However, those claims were dismissed by Judge Lewis J. Liman last June.
The impending trial, set for May 18, is anticipated to be high-profile, with Lively's attorneys indicating possible testimonies from notable figures such as singer Taylor Swift, model Gigi Hadid, and actors including Emily Blunt and Hugh Jackman. This complex case continues to hold the public's attention as it explores critical issues regarding equity and treatment within Hollywood.
