Justin Baldoni faces new harassment claims while legal fight with Blake Lively continues

Justin Baldoni is facing fresh harassment allegations as his legal showdown with Blake Lively continues to escalate.

The actor and filmmaker, known for Jane the Virgin and his directorial work on It Ends With Us, is under renewed scrutiny after a new witness stepped forward with claims of abusive behavior.

The development comes just months after Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against Lively was dismissed in court. Meanwhile, Lively is pursuing damages and attorney fees, arguing that Baldoni’s retaliatory lawsuits caused significant harm.

With a trial set for March 2026, the case is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in Hollywood. Fans, legal experts, and industry insiders are preparing for a high-stakes courtroom battle.

Here’s everything you need to know about the unfolding saga.

What are the new allegations?

A new individual has accused Baldoni of harassment.

This person, whose identity has not been disclosed publicly, claims they experienced verbal abuse and mistreatment while working with him. In their sworn declaration, they alleged Baldoni was restricted from appearing on set and from engaging in promotional activities for that project.

Their testimony is expected to be central to the 2026 trial. Though not connected to It Ends With Us, their account is being introduced as part of a broader case against Baldoni. The inclusion of a new accuser bolsters Lively’s legal team by suggesting that the alleged misconduct may not have been an isolated incident.

How did the conflict begin?

The dispute started during the production of It Ends With Us.

In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a civil rights complaint in California, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, intimidation, and retaliatory behavior. She alleged that the environment on set had become toxic under his direction.

The filing quickly gained national attention. With Lively being one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars and Baldoni serving as both her co-star and the film’s director, the case immediately became a high-profile controversy. It also reignited discussions about workplace conduct in the entertainment industry.

Baldoni’s response through countersuits

In early 2025, Baldoni responded with aggressive legal action.

He filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicity team. His claims included defamation, extortion, and interference with his career opportunities.

He also sued a major media outlet. Baldoni filed a separate lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging that its reporting about the allegations was libelous. His legal strategy was seen by some as an attempt to regain control of the narrative, but it also raised questions about whether the lawsuits were designed to intimidate critics.

Why the countersuit was dismissed

A federal judge dismissed Baldoni’s sweeping countersuit in June 2025.

Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Lively’s harassment complaint was protected under California law and could not serve as grounds for defamation. The judge also noted that Baldoni’s claims lacked sufficient evidence to move forward.

The dismissal was a major setback for Baldoni. Although he was given limited ability to refile certain contract-related claims, the loss weakened his position significantly. It also gave Lively an opening to pursue financial recovery for the resources she spent defending herself against his suit.

Lively seeks damages and fees

Blake Lively is now pushing for millions in damages.

Following the dismissal of the countersuit, her legal team filed motions to recover attorney fees and other costs. They argued that Baldoni’s lawsuits were frivolous and retaliatory, designed to punish her for speaking out.

If successful, Baldoni could face steep financial consequences. Lively’s legal motion not only demands coverage of her fees but also compensation for reputational harm caused by Baldoni’s legal maneuvers. This would add a heavy financial burden to the personal and professional toll already tied to the case.

The impact of the new testimony

The introduction of a new witness changes the dynamic.

By presenting evidence from someone outside of the original production, Lively’s legal team can point to broader patterns of behavior. Courts often take such testimony seriously, especially when it appears to support the credibility of the original accuser.

It could also influence how the case is perceived publicly. Fans and industry observers may interpret the emergence of additional claims as validation of Lively’s initial complaint. For Baldoni, it creates an even tougher challenge to defend his reputation and professional standing.

Industry and fan reaction

Hollywood has been paying close attention.

Both Baldoni and Lively are household names with major projects tied to their reputations. For Baldoni, the allegations threaten his career trajectory as a director and producer, making future projects harder to secure.

Fans have largely rallied behind Lively. On social media, many have expressed support for her decision to pursue the case despite its high-profile nature. Some have even compared her legal push to other recent Hollywood reckonings that held powerful figures accountable for workplace misconduct.

What’s next in the courtroom?

The trial is scheduled for March 2026 in New York.

Both Baldoni and Lively are expected to appear in court, along with co-stars and multiple witnesses. The proceedings will focus on harassment claims, retaliatory lawsuits, and whether patterns of misconduct can be established.

The outcome could reshape their careers. A victory for Lively would not only validate her claims but also reinforce protections for actors who report misconduct. A loss for Baldoni could result in long-term reputational harm and financial liability that may be difficult to recover from.

Why this case matters beyond Hollywood

The Baldoni-Lively dispute highlights larger issues in entertainment.

It underscores how difficult it can be for actors to come forward with harassment claims, particularly against colleagues who also hold positions of power on set. The case will test how effectively legal protections work when the stakes involve multimillion-dollar productions.

It also shows the reach of anti-SLAPP laws. California’s legislation is designed to protect individuals from retaliatory lawsuits meant to silence them. The dismissal of Baldoni’s countersuit demonstrates how courts are willing to enforce these protections, even when the parties involved are among Hollywood’s biggest names.

TL;DR

• Justin Baldoni faces new harassment claims from an unnamed witness.
• The new accuser alleges verbal abuse and restrictions on set duties.
• Blake Lively originally filed her complaint in December 2024.
• Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against Lively was dismissed in June 2025.
• Lively is now seeking millions in damages and attorney fees.
• A high-profile trial is scheduled for March 2026 in New York.
• The case underscores Hollywood’s ongoing struggle with accountability.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.