Blake Lively’s trial against Justin Baldoni could drag on for an entire month, warned the judge who will preside over the case.
Judge Lewis Liman told jurors that the case between the co-stars of the movie It Ends With Us could be in court for three to four weeks after its May 18th start.
The judge also revealed that potential jurors will be asked if they would have a problem giving Lively zero dollars in damages if they don’t believe her.
The question appears intended to weed out jurors who might be so sympathetic to Lively that it might hinder their ability to be impartial.
The trial is due to take place at a federal court in New York on Lively’s claims that Baldoni harassed her on the set of It Ends With Us, which he directed, then launched a ‘smear campaign’ against her when she complained.
In his order, Judge Liman said that he would screen jurors for potential hardship ahead of the start date.
On May 18th, the court would conduct Voir Dire, or the questioning of individual or small groups of jurors, until a full panel was chosen.
Judge Liman wrote: 'The trial will commence after the conclusion of jury selection. The trial is expected to last from three to four weeks, or through June 12, 2026, although that time period could be longer or shorter.'
Judge Lewis Liman warned jurors Blake Lively's trial against Justin Baldoni could take up to four weeks to finish
She sued Baldoni after the movie came out, claiming he sexually harassed her and created a smear campaign against her
Liman said the trial will start on May 18
As part of the grueling schedule, jurors will have to be in court five days per week, although there will be an early finish on Fridays at lunchtime.
According to the order, jurors will be asked a standard series of questions to determine their eligibility to serve, including whether they will suffer any ‘extraordinary personal or financial hardship’ or if they have nonrefundable travel they cannot get out of.
The prospective panel will be asked if they personally know Lively or her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who plans to testify, as well as Baldoni and members of the film’s production team.
Jurors will also be asked if they know any of the potential witnesses, including Isabela Ferrer, who played a young version of Lively’s character in the film, and Jenny Slate, who played Lively’s character’s best friend.
Among the other questions are whether the jurors have read the Colleen Hoover book It Ends With Us, which the film was based on, and if they have read anything about the case.
Other questions include: 'Is there anything about the subject matter or nature of the allegations made by Ms. Lively – which include sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation – that would make it difficult for you to consider the evidence in this case with an open mind to both sides?’
Another question is: ‘Have you, a family member, or a close friend ever filed a complaint with your employer, or with an agency or court, alleging harassment, discrimination, or retaliation?’
In addition to being asked if jurors would be fine with giving Lively no money, they will also be asked if they have any problem granting her damages if she prevails.
Judge Liman has already dismissed 10 of Lively’s claims, including all of her sexual harassment allegations
Jurors were will be asked if they know Ryan Reynolds, Lively's husband, and Jenny Slate, her costar in the movie, who could be testifying
Judge Liman has already dismissed 10 of Lively’s claims, including all of her sexual harassment allegations.
However, they are likely to still be heard by the jury as she claims they form a central part of the alleged ‘smear campaign.'
Lively claims that being dubbed a ‘mean girl’ in the wake of the controversy cost her almost $300million.
A final pretrial conference is due to take place on Tuesday, where the judge will hear arguments on whether expert testimony should be allowed and the amount of damages Lively can claim.