The legal battle over the set of It Ends With Us has reached a fever pitch. On Friday, April 3, 2026, the digital world exploded as Blake Lively fired back at Justin Baldoni and his legal representatives. This fierce response follows a Thursday ruling by a federal judge in New York that narrowed the scope of the actress’s multi-million dollar lawsuit against her co-star and director.
While Baldoni’s team issued a “very pleased” statement regarding the dismissal of several key claims, Lively was quick to remind the public that the war is far from over. Taking to social media with a message that has since gone viral, she declared that the “heart” of her case is still beating and ready for trial.
The April 2 ruling by Judge Lewis J. Liman saw 10 of Lively’s 13 original claims dismissed. Most notably, the judge tossed out the sexual harassment claims, not based on the merits of the allegations, but on a technicality: the court determined that Lively was an independent contractor rather than a direct employee.
However, Blake Lively fired back at Justin Baldoni by highlighting what remains. The judge left intact three major pillars of the suit:
• Retaliation: Claims that Baldoni led a smear campaign against her.
• Breach of Contract: Allegations regarding the violation of a specific contract rider.
• Aiding and Abetting: Specifically involving a public relations firm’s role in the alleged reputational damage.
“Dragon Mode”: Why the “It Ends With Us” Star Isn’t Backing Down
The term “Dragon Mode” has become the rallying cry for Lively’s supporters. In her latest statement, she alluded to a previously leaked text message where she compared herself to Game of Thrones’ Khaleesi, warning that her “dragons” (a reference to her legal team and inner circle) are now fully awake.
“I am grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month,” Lively stated. She criticized Baldoni’s team for their “gloating” tone, suggesting that the dismissal of harassment claims on a technical status doesn’t absolve the director of the behavior alleged in the discovery phase.
As of early April 2026, the industry is bracing for a May 18 trial date. The proceedings are expected to be one of the most high-profile celebrity showdowns of the decade. The discovery phase has already threatened to pull other A-listers into the fray, with rumors of subpoenas for negative media coverage and internal production emails.
For Baldoni, the reduction of his legal exposure is a victory, but the remaining retaliation claims mean his conduct during the film’s promotion will be scrutinized under oath. The “Bichota” of the box office is clearly ready for the fight, ensuring that this drama won’t truly end until a jury has the final word.
