Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively Show Up in Matching Outfits at NYC Court Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

February 16, 2026 Bella 15 Views 7 min read

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively turned heads in New York City this week, but not for a movie premiere or red carpet event. The former It Ends with Us co-stars arrived at a Manhattan courthouse for a court-ordered settlement conference and unintentionally made a fashion statement in the process. Both showed up wearing strikingly similar olive green looks with soft pink accents, instantly sparking online buzz.

While their coordinated outfits may have been accidental, the real focus remains on the serious legal dispute unfolding between the two Hollywood stars.

Here is a closer look at what happened in court, where the case stands now, and how this high-profile showdown could move forward.

Why Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Were in Court

Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, who directed and starred alongside her in the 2024 romantic drama It Ends with Us. In her complaint, Lively accuses Baldoni and the film’s producers of sexual harassment and claims they orchestrated a campaign to damage her reputation after she raised concerns during production.

Baldoni has strongly denied all allegations. He previously filed a countersuit for extortion and defamation, seeking 400 million dollars in damages. That countersuit has since been dismissed.

On Wednesday, both actors appeared in federal court for a mandatory settlement conference. This is a standard part of federal civil litigation. The goal is to determine whether the parties can reach an agreement outside of court before the trial date. As of now, their trial is scheduled for May 18.

If the two sides are unable to resolve the dispute during these talks, the case will move forward to trial.

The Matching Outfits That Sparked Buzz

As cameras gathered outside the courthouse, many noticed the surprising similarity in their outfits.

Lively, 38, wore an olive green suit paired with a pale pink collared shirt. Baldoni, 42, arrived in a long olive green wool coat and styled it with a pale pink scarf. The coordinated color palette did not go unnoticed by onlookers or fans online.

Baldoni was seen walking hand in hand with his wife, Emily Baldoni. Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, did not appear to attend the settlement conference.

While the fashion moment was likely coincidental, it quickly became a talking point across social media platforms and entertainment news outlets.

Justin Baldoni walking into a New York City courthouse. — *Photo Credit: Reuters*

Inside the Legal Arguments

The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni has been intense from the start. Last month, Baldoni’s attorney asked a federal judge to dismiss Lively’s lawsuit. According to his legal team, her claims amount to nothing more than “petty slights.”

Lively’s attorneys pushed back strongly against that description. They argue that Baldoni and other defendants created a work environment that was sexually charged and uncomfortable for women during the production of It Ends with Us. They also claim that after Lively voiced concerns, she was publicly attacked in an effort to damage her credibility and career.

These opposing narratives are at the heart of the dispute. The settlement conference was meant to see whether the two sides could avoid a lengthy and very public trial.

Testimonies From Cast and Crew

As part of the ongoing legal process, depositions have revealed private messages and behind-the-scenes accounts from members of the cast and crew.

Actor Jenny Slate, who played Baldoni’s on-screen sister in the film, shared text messages she had sent to Lively during production. In those private messages, Slate described the filming experience as “really gross and disturbing.” She also wrote about Baldoni, “I honestly have never ever encountered anything like this dude. He’s the biggest clown and the most intense narcissist. Lots of lessons learned!”

These messages have added another layer of complexity to the case and have fueled public interest.

The depositions also reportedly include text exchanges between Lively and Taylor Swift, as well as emails sent to Ben Affleck. Additional communications involve Sony Pictures executives and a private August 2024 text conversation between Jameela Jamil and her publicist Jennifer Abel, who also represented Baldoni.

The Jameela Jamil Text Controversy

One of the more surprising revelations involved text messages from Jameela Jamil. At the time, Jamil and her publicist were reacting to a TikTok video that criticized Lively’s comments during the It Ends with Us press tour. Some viewers felt Lively’s remarks were not serious enough, considering the film centers on domestic abuse.

In that private exchange, Jamil wrote, “She’s a suicide bomber at this point.” She continued, “I’ve never seen such a bizarre villain act before.”

The texts have drawn significant attention as they provide insight into how people connected to the film perceived the unfolding controversy at the time.

What Happens Next in the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Case

The outcome of this week’s settlement conference will determine the next steps. If both sides can agree on terms, the case may be resolved without going to trial. If not, the legal battle will continue in May as scheduled.

Given the high-profile nature of the case and the involvement of well-known Hollywood figures, a trial would likely draw major media coverage.

For now, the unexpected fashion coordination outside the courthouse offered a brief moment of levity in what has otherwise been a serious and complicated dispute. But behind the olive green coats and pale pink accents lies a case that could have lasting implications for everyone involved.

As May approaches, all eyes will remain on Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to see whether their courtroom drama ends quietly in a settlement or unfolds publicly before a jury.

Summary:

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni appeared at a New York City federal courthouse for a court-ordered settlement conference.
The conference was held to determine whether their legal dispute can be resolved before the scheduled May 18 trial.
Lively has accused Baldoni and the film’s producers of sexual harassment and retaliation tied to the production of It Ends with Us.
Baldoni has denied the allegations and previously filed a 400 million dollar countersuit for extortion and defamation, which was dismissed.
Both actors unintentionally wore coordinated olive green outfits with pale pink accents, sparking online buzz.
Baldoni attended with his wife, Emily Baldoni, while Ryan Reynolds did not appear to be present with Lively.
Baldoni’s legal team recently argued that Lively’s claims amount to “petty slights.”
Lively’s attorneys allege a sexually charged work environment and claim she faced reputational harm after raising concerns.
Depositions revealed private texts from Jenny Slate describing the filming experience as “really gross and disturbing” and calling Baldoni “the biggest clown and the most intense narcissist.”
Additional messages referenced in the case include communications involving Taylor Swift, Ben Affleck, Sony Pictures executives, and a private text exchange in which Jameela Jamil wrote, “She’s a suicide bomber at this point,” and “I’ve never seen such a bizarre villain act before.”
If no settlement is reached, the case will move forward to trial in May, drawing significant public and media attention.

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