Justin Baldoni initiates lawsuit against film's insurance companies in dispute over 'It Ends With Us' production
In the heart of Hollywood, a legal battle is unfolding that has been making headlines for months. Actor and director Justin Baldoni, known for his work in shows like Jane the Virgin, is embroiled in a dispute with three insurance companies over the coverage of legal costs related to a lawsuit filed by his co-star, Blake Lively.
Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, have taken the insurers - New York Marine, QBE Insurance Group Limited, and Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's - to court, alleging breach of contract. The companies had promised to cover litigation costs arising from claims like those Lively filed, which include sexual harassment and retaliation allegations. Executives from Wayfarer Studios, Steve Sarowitz and Jamey Heath, have joined Baldoni and the company in this legal fight, aiming to resolve who will pay the mounting legal expenses[1].
The lawsuit, filed in July 2025 in Los Angeles Superior Court, states that the policies should have covered the costs incurred in the legal fight. The policies collectively carry at least $8 million in insurance[1].
On the other side of the courtroom, Lively has been giving depositions related to her sexual harassment and retaliation claims against Baldoni during the production of the film It Ends With Us. The deposition was conducted privately under a protective order, with only lawyers and a court reporter present, and the transcript was later sealed by a judge[2][3]. In June 2025, a federal judge dismissed Baldoni's countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their representatives, rejecting Baldoni's claims of extortion and defamation related to the dispute[2][3]. The judge ruled that Lively's sexual harassment accusations are legally protected.
The main trial between Baldoni and Lively is set for March 2026, during which Baldoni is expected to testify. However, no cameras will be allowed in the courtroom[3]. The legal saga surrounding "It Ends With Us" has been one of the most closely-watched Hollywood courtroom battles in recent memory[4].
Meanwhile, another insurer of the film, Harco National Insurance, has tried to distance itself from the legal feud by filing a lawsuit in New York federal court in July[5].
Greg Doll, an entertainment litigator, suggests that the Lively lawsuit could be an exception to the norm of civil cases being settled before trial. He notes that without insurance coverage, the negotiation for Baldoni's side becomes more complex, requiring them to consider how much of their own money they are willing to spend in settlement or how much they are willing to risk fighting the case[6]. Doll suggests that sorting out insurance coverage for Baldoni's side makes sense, even with their ample funding, as it simplifies negotiations and reduces the risk of using their own funds[6].
The latest development in this dispute could impact Wayfarer Studios and Baldoni's future actions significantly[4]. As the legal battle continues, both parties prepare for the upcoming trial, with the eyes of Hollywood watching closely.
[1] Los Angeles Times, "Justin Baldoni sues insurers over Blake Lively lawsuit", July 30, 2025. [2] Variety, "Blake Lively deposition in Justin Baldoni lawsuit sealed", August 10, 2025. [3] The Hollywood Reporter, "Justin Baldoni's Lawsuit Against Blake Lively Dismissed", June 15, 2025. [4] The Wrap, "Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively: The Hollywood Courtroom Battle Heating Up", October 15, 2025. [5] Deadline, "Harco National Insurance Sues Out of 'It Ends With Us' Legal Feud", July 20, 2025. [6] The New York Times, "Insurance Coverage in Hollywood Disputes: A Closer Look", August 25, 2025.
- The legal battle between actor Justin Baldoni and his co-star Blake Lively, which revolves around sexual harassment and retaliation allegations, has been taking place in Los Angeles Superior Court, in the heart of Hollywood, California.
- Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, are suing three insurance companies - New York Marine, QBE Insurance Group Limited, and Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's - for breach of contract over the refusal to cover legal costs related to Lively's lawsuit.
- Executives from Wayfarer Studios, Steve Sarowitz and Jamey Heath, have joined Baldoni and the company in their legal fight against the insurers, as they aim to resolve who will pay the mounting legal expenses.
- The entertainment industry is closely watching the courtroom battle over the film "It Ends With Us," as the main trial between Baldoni and Lively is set for March 2026, and cameras will not be allowed.
- The ongoing legal saga may have significant implications for Wayfarer Studios and Baldoni's future actions, and it could be an exception to the norm of civil cases being settled before trial, as noted by entertainment litigator Greg Doll.
