Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have faced off in court for the first time amid their ongoing legal dispute stemming from their collaboration on the film 'It Ends With Us.' This legal battle, which began over a year ago, has intensified following Lively's allegations of sexual harassment against Baldoni, who also directed the film. The lawsuit claims that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against Lively, causing significant distress and disruption to her professional life.

The court appearance took place in the US District Court in Manhattan, where Lively and Baldoni, along with their legal teams, attended mandatory settlement talks. These discussions are typically requisite in civil proceedings, aimed at finding a resolution before heading to trial. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement, the case is scheduled to go to trial in May 2026, further extending the public scrutiny surrounding both actors.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for both Lively and Baldoni are significant, not only in terms of their professional reputations but also regarding the impact on their respective careers following the allegations and legal disputes. The public's response and media coverage surrounding the situation may also influence industry dynamics, especially in how such claims are handled in Hollywood.