Key Takeaways:

• Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's legal dispute centers around allegations of harassment and a smear campaign.
• A trial date has been set for March 9, 2026, to address the competing claims surrounding their film "It Ends With Us."
• Baldoni has sent a voice note to Lively admitting to his mistakes and expressing regret over their conflicts during production.
• Both parties have engaged in legal actions, including lawsuits for defamation and harassment.
• The situation has attracted significant media attention and public scrutiny, prompting both actors to defend their reputations.

Blake Lively's ongoing legal conflict with Justin Baldoni continues to unravel as the release of a voice note from Baldoni details his remorse regarding their working relationship during the production of It Ends With Us. In the nearly seven-minute audio, Baldoni admits to having "f***ed up" in response to proposed script changes from Lively, who accused him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. The legal battle commenced in December 2024, with Lively filing a civil complaint alleging inappropriate behavior by Baldoni during filming, which he vehemently denies. The accusations have taken a toll on both actors’ careers and public images.

A New York federal judge has scheduled the trial to commence on March 9, 2026, after Lively's team raised concerns about pretrial publicity and attorney conduct. Judge Lewis J. Liman's directive indicates that both parties must submit case management plans ahead of the trial. The courtroom feud encompasses claims from Baldoni, who has countersued for $400 million against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for defamation, asserting that Lively's allegations have irreparably damaged his reputation. In his legal filings, Baldoni claims that rather than a genuine grievance, Lively's actions stemmed from her efforts to control the narrative following negative public sentiment during the film's release.

In Baldoni's voice note, he addresses the tensions surrounding their collaboration, particularly focusing on changes Lively wanted to make to pivotal scenes. "I want to start with an apology; I'm a very flawed man," he states, reflecting on their professional dynamic during the movie's production. Baldoni expressed gratitude for Lively's willingness to share her feelings, asserting that he wished to maintain open communication despite their tumultuous relationship. This sincerity stands in stark contrast to the backdrop of their escalating legal disputes, which also involve Lively's claims that Baldoni invaded her privacy on set and undermined her position as a producer.

As both Lively and Baldoni maneuver through these legal challenges, their stories have captured the public's intrigue, revealing the complexities and pressures of being in the Hollywood spotlight. The upcoming trial is expected to shed further light on the accusations and the circumstances that led to their fallout. With both stars facing intense scrutiny, the outcome of the trial could profoundly impact their careers moving forward. Source, Source, Source, Source, Source, Source, Source.