Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Reject Court Mediation in Legal Spat
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Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's ongoing legal dispute over allegations of harassment and defamation saw their respective legal teams agree to forgo mediation and discovery protocols.

AceShowbiz - At least Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have one thing in common amidst their explosive legal battle - they don't want an amicable ending.

In a joint letter filed in New York federal court, the legal teams of respective stars stated that they believe "settlement discussions would be premature" and that mediation, as well as discovery protocols, would be "inappropriate for this case."

Judge Lewis J. Liman granted their request and requested that both sides prepare for a trial scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026.

The dispute stems from their 2024 romantic drama "It Ends With Us," in which Lively played the female lead and Baldoni pulled a double duty as a cast and director.

Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment, smear campaign, emotional distress, and more. Baldoni responded with a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane, accusing them of defamation and extortion.

Both parties have denied the allegations against them, with Lively's lawyers accusing Baldoni of "another chapter of the abuser playbook." Baldoni's attorneys have called Lively's accusations "completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious."

Lively's team has subpoenaed Baldoni's phone records in an attempt to gather evidence of a smear campaign against her. In response, Baldoni's lawyer called her "desperate."

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