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Judge Delays Lively–Baldoni Trial to May 2026, Orders Settlement Talks

Citing pending criminal trials, the judge reset the timetable to May, directing magistrate-led settlement talks before January summary‑judgment arguments.

Overview

  • The civil trial in New York’s Southern District is now set for May 18, 2026, moved from March 9 because criminal cases take precedence, the judge said.
  • Oral arguments on Justin Baldoni’s summary‑judgment bid to dismiss Blake Lively’s claims are scheduled for January 22, 2026.
  • Judge Lewis J. Liman instructed both sides to contact a magistrate judge to explore a potential settlement, a standard step in federal civil cases.
  • Lively alleges sexual harassment and retaliation and seeks more than $160 million in damages, allegations Baldoni denies after his $400 million countersuit was dismissed.
  • A representative for Baldoni said he plans to see the case through, and a source close to Lively said she still intends to proceed to trial.