Justin Baldoni Says He Told Blake Lively He’s Circumcised as Trial Decision Nears in 2026
New court filings show Justin Baldoni confirmed in an October 2025 deposition that he told Blake Lively he is circumcised during a 2022 visit to her New York home. The disclosure is now a central issue in Lively’s harassment lawsuit as both sides fight over whether the case proceeds to a March 2026 jury trial.
Breaking news
Justin Baldoni’s own sworn testimony has pushed his legal battle with Blake Lively into an even sharper spotlight, after he confirmed in an October 2025 deposition that he told the actress he is circumcised during a December 2022 visit to her New York City apartment.
Lively, who was pregnant at the time, says the interaction deeply unsettled her and forms part of her broader harassment case linked to their work on It Ends With Us.
The deposition describes a crowded living room where Ryan Reynolds, nannies, assistants and household staff moved in and out as the two actors sat on a couch discussing several topics—including, reportedly, circumcision. Baldoni insists the conversation was neither initiated by him nor sexual; Lively’s lawyers say the remark exemplifies inappropriate professional boundaries and should be evaluated by a jury.
With Baldoni seeking summary judgment and Lively urging the court to deny it, the stakes now centre on a single question: will a federal judge allow this case to reach a jury in March 2026, or will the lawsuit end before trial? The answer will determine the next phase of one of Hollywood’s most closely watched workplace disputes.
What we know so far
During a December 2022 visit to Lively’s Manhattan home, the topic of circumcision arose while she and Baldoni were speaking on the couch. In his 2025 deposition, Baldoni acknowledged telling Lively he is circumcised but said she did not “directly” ask him.
He described the environment as bustling, with Ryan Reynolds moving in and out of the room, two nannies present, assistants walking through and general household activity unfolding as they spoke. When asked if he typically discusses his genitalia with colleagues, Baldoni said he does not.
Lively’s amended complaint states she was one of the “women or two” Baldoni “one million percent” made uncomfortable, and she argues the genitalia remark supports her claims. Baldoni denies wrongdoing and has asked the court to dismiss the case. Lively’s legal team filed a Dec. 4 opposition urging the judge to allow a full trial.
The legal issue at the centre
This is a civil sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit, not a criminal case.
To determine whether it proceeds to trial, the court examines:
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whether the conduct was unwelcome
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whether context and content could contribute to a hostile environment
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whether the behaviour was severe or pervasive under federal or state standards
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whether any alleged retaliation followed complaints
Evidence typically includes sworn depositions, messages, emails, internal reports, witness accounts and production-related documentation.
A summary-judgment motion—like the one Baldoni filed—asks the judge to rule without a trial if no reasonable jury could find for the plaintiff. If factual disputes remain, the law requires the case to proceed toward trial.
Key questions people are asking
Is Justin Baldoni facing jail time?
No. This is a civil lawsuit. There are no criminal charges and no potential imprisonment.
Why does the circumcised remark matter legally?
Because it forms a concrete, undisputed event the court must slot into the broader context of Lively’s claims about inappropriate workplace behaviour and discomfort arising from interactions with Baldoni.
Could the case be dismissed before trial?
Yes. If the judge agrees that no material facts justify a trial, summary judgment would end the lawsuit. If not, proceedings move toward March 2026.
What happens if the judge denies summary judgment?
The parties begin trial preparation, which may involve additional discovery, pre-trial motions, witness preparation and possible settlement talks.
Does this single comment determine the outcome?
Not alone. Courts consider patterns, context and cumulative effect when assessing harassment claims.
What this means for ordinary people
This case demonstrates how seemingly informal conversations can become legally significant when they occur within professional or workplace-adjacent settings. Many employees may not realise that comments about bodies, sex or personal boundaries—even in mixed company—can be evaluated under harassment law if they make someone uncomfortable and intersect with workplace dynamics.
It also illustrates how depositions shape litigation. Once spoken under oath, an individual’s own words become central evidence and may enter the public record. Summary-judgment motions similarly show how courts act as gatekeepers, ensuring only cases with legitimate factual disputes advance to trial.
Possible outcomes based on current facts
Best-case procedural scenario
The judge sides with the moving party on summary judgment—ending the lawsuit (best for Baldoni) or clearing it for trial without further challenge (best for Lively).
Worst-case procedural scenario
A full jury trial proceeds, bringing extensive testimony, public attention and prolonged legal exposure for both sides.
Most common scenario in similar disputes
Summary judgment is denied or partially denied, leading to trial preparation and, often, intensified settlement negotiations before any jury is empanelled.
Frequently asked questions
Will Blake Lively have to testify if the case goes to trial?
In most civil harassment cases, plaintiffs do testify because their experiences are central to the claim.
Can Justin Baldoni speak publicly about the deposition?
Parties can comment publicly unless restricted by protective orders, though lawyers often manage communications.
Could the case settle before March 2026?
Yes. Most civil cases resolve before reaching a jury, though no settlement has been disclosed.
Does this affect the film It Ends With Us?
The lawsuit references events connected to the production, but distribution decisions are separate.
Final legal takeaway
Justin Baldoni’s statement confirming he told Blake Lively he is circumcised—once a private exchange—has now become a pivotal fact before the court. It will help determine whether a federal judge views the case as one requiring a jury’s evaluation or one suitable for dismissal.
The ruling on summary judgment will define the trajectory of a dispute that blends workplace boundaries, celebrity dynamics and modern harassment law. Whether or not the case reaches trial, this moment underscores how a single candid remark can become the fulcrum of a high-stakes legal battle.
