Lively, Baldoni settle ‘It Ends With Us’ dispute

May 5, 2026

Summary

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settled their legal dispute over “It Ends With Us,” with terms not made public.

Why this matters

The settlement ends litigation between the film’s stars and director after multiple claims and countersuits were dismissed. It also closes a closely watched case involving workplace misconduct and retaliation allegations tied to a major film production.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settled their legal dispute tied to the movie “It Ends With Us,.”

In a joint statement, the parties said: “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.”

The statement continued: “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment.”

The settlement came one month after a judge dismissed most of Lively’s claims against Baldoni, including allegations of sexual harassment.

According to documents obtained by E! News, the judge dismissed 10 of 13 counts, leaving claims of retaliation, breach of contract, and abetting retaliation for a jury trial that had been scheduled to begin later this month.

Lively accused her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director in 2024 of sexual harassment. She also alleged that his production company, Wayfarer Studios, retaliated against her after she complained about alleged misconduct on the film.

Baldoni filed a countersuit against Lively in 2025, shortly after her December 2024 filing, accusing her of extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. His case was dismissed in June 2025, and the final judgment in November ended it after his legal team did not file an amended complaint by the court’s deadline.

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The complaint named the Virginia State Board of Elections, the Virginia Department of Elections, Clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates G. Paul Nardo, Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk Charity D. Hurst, and the county’s general registrar as defendants.

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Department spokesperson Michael Soller said the action could result in State Farm losing its certificate of authority for up to a year, which would prevent it from writing policies during that period.

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Hawaii

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A 26-year-old Honolulu police officer was indicted Tuesday on multiple charges in the alleged sexual assault of a woman while he was on duty April 6 and 7.

An Oahu grand jury in state court indicted Christopher John A. Oallesma on counts of official misconduct, obstruction of justice, use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime, four counts of third-degree sexual assault, and four counts of fourth-degree sexual assault.

Oallesma, a Waikiki patrol officer, was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Circuit Court and enter a plea. He was arrested shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday at Honolulu Police Department headquarters and released about an hour later after posting $150,000 bail.

The indictment said the woman had been “stopped by a law enforcement officer,” but it did not say whether Oallesma initiated the stop or another officer did.

According to the indictment, Oallesma sexually assaulted the woman by placing his hand on her genitals and breast while performing an unlawful search. It also alleged that he placed his mouth on her breast and caused her to place her hand on his penis.

The indictment said he subjected the woman to sexual contact “by compulsion and/or induced duress.” It defined compulsion as lack of consent or an expressed or implied threat that places a person in fear of public humiliation, property damage, or financial loss.

Prosecutors said they intended to seek an extended prison term if Oallesma was convicted of two or more felonies. Third-degree sexual assault, official misconduct, and use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime are Class C felonies. Obstruction of justice is a Class B felony. Fourth-degree sexual assault is a misdemeanor.

The indictment alleged that in Counts 1 and 2, Oallesma acted “pursuant to one continuous scheme and course of conduct” during April 6 and 7.

Oallesma had five years of service with the Honolulu Police Department and was assigned to District 6 Patrol, which covers Waikiki. Police officials said they had restricted his police powers.

A court barred Oallesma from contacting the woman and four named witnesses. He was also prohibited from possessing firearms and ordered to turn over any firearms and ammunition to the main police station.

Acting Honolulu Police Chief Rade Vanic said in a written statement, “The allegations in this case are very serious and run counter to the high standards HPD sets for its officers in serving and protecting our community.

“An internal investigation was initiated promptly and remains ongoing, and any officer who is accused of breaking the law is subject to the same legal process as any member of the public. These allegations do not reflect the many dedicated officers who serve our community honorably each day.”