In a surprising turn of events, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have settled their high-profile lawsuit just two weeks before the scheduled trial. Contrary to widespread rumors, new reports indicate that no money exchanged hands in the settlement.
No Financial Compensation for Either Party
According to a report from TMZ, confirmed by Page Six, neither Lively nor Baldoni received any financial compensation as part of the agreement. Page Six reported that both sides had been negotiating for several weeks and were encouraged to reach an agreement. Days before the last-minute settlement, Lively had enlisted the high-profile law firm Susman Godfrey to strengthen her legal defense. However, the firm encouraged a last-minute deal, which was reached shortly before proceedings were set to escalate in court.
Legal Teams Earned Millions
While Lively and Baldoni walked away with nothing from the settlement, the same cannot be said for their legal teams. Sources told Page Six that the combined legal fees for both sides amounted to approximately USD 60 million, covering the costs of suing and countersuing one another.
The agreement comes amid indications that the case may not have been progressing in Lively's favor. Reports suggest that a judge had significantly narrowed the scope of her claims against Baldoni. Last month, Judge Lewis Liman threw out 10 of Lively's 13 claims, including sexual harassment, defamation, and conspiracy. Only three claims were allowed to proceed: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation.
Joint Statement from Both Parties
Representatives for Lively and Baldoni have not publicly commented on the settlement but issued a joint statement. The statement read: "The end product — the movie 'It Ends With Us' — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind."
Both parties added that they remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. They expressed their sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.
The trial was originally set to begin on May 18. With the settlement, both actors can now focus on their careers and personal lives without the burden of ongoing litigation.
