Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively failed to settle her sexual harassment lawsuit on Wednesday, after a daylong mediation in federal court.
The co-stars of “It Ends With Us” entered the New York courthouse on Friday morning and spent much of the day in separate courtrooms on the 14th floor. At the end of the day, each exited the building, passed through a throng of media and said nothing.
Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, confirmed to reporters that no deal had been reached. He acknowledged that a deal could still happen, but seemed to think it was unlikely. Asked if he believed the case will go to trial, he said, “I do. We’re looking forward to it.”
The mediation with Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave is a routine part of federal procedure. While both sides previously had in-person sessions with Cave, there was no outward indication that either side expected the talks to go anywhere.
Lively has accused Baldoni of harassing her on the set of “It Ends With Us,” and of working with his publicists to orchestrate a smear campaign against her after she complained. A trial is set for May 18.
Judge Lewis Liman is considering whether to throw out or substantially pare back Lively’s complaint ahead of trial. Baldoni’s team has argued in a summary judgment motion that the suit amounts to little more than petty grievances that fall well below the standard for harassment.
Lively’s side, meanwhile, has noted that other actors also had complaints about Baldoni’s conduct on set, and that the allegations do rise to the level to be decided by a jury.
Source: variety.com
