Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni get March 2026 trial date for her ‘It Ends With Us’ lawsuit

NEW YORK — A New York judge set a March 2026 trial date on Monday and moved an initial conference from mid-February to next week as the public feud between Blake Lively and her “It Ends With Us” costar and director Justin Baldoni continued to grow and accelerate.

And in a new and separate front in the series of legal battles surrounding the film that became a surprise hit last summer, Lively in a Texas court filed a request for a deposition of a man she says was central to turning online sentiment against her during its release and promotion.

The New York federal judge, Lewis J. Liman, told both sides in an order late Monday to prepare for a March 9, 2026, trial.

He also moved an initial conference from mid-February to next week and told lawyers to be prepared to address complaints about pretrial publicity and attorney conduct.

Liman took the actions after Lively’s lawyers claimed in a filing on Monday that an attorney for Baldoni was trying to taint potential jurors over lawsuits the actors have filed against each other.

The lawyers said Baldoni’s attorney was trying to wreck Lively’s career and turn potential New York jurors against her by creating a website to release selected documents and communications between Lively and Baldoni.

The lawyers said attorney Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni, was “engaging in this extrajudicial campaign to influence these proceedings and the public perception of legal filings to this Court, and there already is a serious risk that his misconduct is tainting the jury pool.”

They added: “The endless stream of defamatory and extrajudicial media statements must end.”

Freedman said in a statement in response to Monday’s assertions that the “irony is not lost on anyone that Ms. Lively is so petrified of the truth that she has moved to gag it.”

“We will always respect the court; however, we will never be bullied by those suggesting we cannot defend our clients with pure, unedited facts,” the lawyer said. “All we want is for people to see the actual text messages that directly contradict her allegations, video footage that clearly shows there was no sexual harassment and all the other powerful evidence that directly contradicts any false allegations.”

In a letter to the judge on Thursday, Baldoni attorney Kevin Fritz accused Lively of a publicity campaign that left Baldoni and other defendants the “objects of public scorn and contempt.”

He said the actions had damaged those she sued so that they were “exiled from polite society and suffered damages totaling hundreds of millions of dollars due to Ms. Lively’s scorched-earth media campaign.”

In the separate filing in Hays County, Texas, a precursor to another potential lawsuit, Lively asks for an order for a deposition from Jed Wallace, a crisis management specialist she alleges was behind much of the social media manipulation surrounding the film that turned public sentiment against her through posts on Reddit and TikTok.

Wallace and his Texas-based firm Street Relations were brought on as subcontractors by publicists working with Baldoni and his production company, the filing said.

“He weaponized a digital army around the country, including in New York and Los Angeles, to create, seed, manipulate, and advance disparaging content that appeared to be authentic on social media platforms and internet chat forums,” the filing alleges.

Wallace is identified in Lively’s federal lawsuit, but he is not a defendant.

Freedman, who the filing says is Wallace’s lawyer, did not respond to a request for comment on the issue.

Lively sued Baldoni, his production company and others in New York in late December for sexual harassment and attacks on her reputation and asked for unspecified damages. Baldoni sued earlier this month, accusing Lively and her husband, “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion and seeking at least $400 million in damages.

The judge said Monday that he’ll likely combine the lawsuits for trial.

“It Ends With Us,” an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel that begins as a romance but takes a dark turn into domestic violence, was released in August, exceeding box office expectations with a $50 million debut. But the movie’s release was shrouded by speculation over discord between Lively and Baldoni.

Lively came to fame through the 2005 film “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” and bolstered her stardom on the TV series “Gossip Girl” from 2007 to 2012. She has since starred in films including “The Town” and “The Shallows.”

Baldoni starred in the TV comedy “Jane the Virgin,” directed the 2019 film “Five Feet Apart” and wrote “Man Enough,” a book pushing back against traditional notions of masculinity.

Snoop Dogg Seemingly Addresses “All The Hate” After Backlash From Donald Trump’s Inauguration Ball Performance: “Still A Black Man”

Selena Gomez Breaks Down In Tears Over Donald Trump’s Deportation Orders: “All My People Are Getting Attacked”

Snoop Dogg is seemingly addressing the criticism he received after performing at an event in honor of Donald Trump’s inauguration ahead of his second term as president.

Once a critic of Trump, The Voice coach disappointed many long-time fans when he was announced as one of the performers at the Crypto Ball.

“It’s Sunday I got gospel in my heart,” the rapper said in a video he shared on Instagram after broadcasting live. “For all the hate I’m going to answer with love, I love too much.”

He continued, “Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together. Still a Black man. Still 100 percent Black. All out ’til you ball out or ’til you fall out.”

The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” was not the only rapper celebrating Trump’s return to the White House with Rick Ross and Soulja Boy at the same event he performed at. Rapper Nelly also helped celebrate Trump performing at the Liberty Ball on January 20.

RELATED: Trace Cyrus Writes Emotional Letter To Billy Ray Cyrus After Trump Inauguration Performance: “You’re Not Healthy Dad & Everyone Is Noticing”

In 2018, Snoop appeared on DJ Suss One’s SiriusXM show, expressing his disdain for Trump after Kanye West supported the divisive U.S. president.

“I don’t give a f**k. I tell ’em straight up, motherfucker. If you like that n***, you motherf****n’ racist. F**k you and f**k him. Now what? He drew the lines. Before him, there were no lines. Everybody was everybody, we respected everything, we didn’t trip,” he said.

Snoop continued, “When you drew the line and start pointing motherfuckers out and singling them out, fuck y’all then, n***. You and them. Kanye too. Don’t forget about him too. F**k you too. Throw him in the bag, he right with them motherf***ers.”

In an interview from January 2024, Snoop Dogg seemingly changed his stance on Trump, telling The Sunday Times, “Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me.”

Snoop’s change in tone came after Trump pardoned Death Row Records co-founder Michael Harris after serving 30 years in prison for a drug charge.

“So I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump,” he added.

‘The White Lotus’ season 3 trailer teases murder and mystery in Thailand

Parker Posey, Walter Goggins and yet another murder-filled paradise await in the drama’s anticipated third season

It’s almost time to check into paradise. “The White Lotus” season 3 is bringing the popular HBO anthology to Asia for the first time — specifically, a luxury hotel and wellness center in Thailand — when it premieres on Sunday, Feb. 16. And fans got a sneak peek not only at that swanky property but also at this installment’s batch of batty vacationers in a brand-new official trailer for the third season of the acclaimed Emmy-winning drama.

“What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand,” teases one guest in the nearly three-minute clip, which HBO dropped on Monday, Jan. 27. Those staying at the Thai resort will be a mix of series newcomers as well as familiar faces: Joining returning cast member Natasha Rothwell — back as spa manager Belinda Lindsey, who is in Thailand to learn wellness tricks and tips to bring back to Maui’s The White Lotus location from season one — are an age-gap couple played by Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood, a girlfriend group portrayed by Carrie Coon, Leslie Bibb and Michelle Monaghan, and a Southern family led by Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey. (“We usually go to the Caribbean,” Posey’s character drawls in an exaggerated Southern lilt.)

Ominous lines hint that the visitors will be experiencing more than just Zen stillness at the resort. “At the end of the week, you will be an entirely different person,” teases one character, with another adding: “Everyone who comes to Thailand are either hiding from someone or looking for someone.”

In true “White Lotus” fashion,” their relaxing retreat is interrupted by mysterious text messages and masked intruders wielding handguns. “We’re poor now and daddy’s going to prison,” Jason Isaac’s wealthy businessman Timothy Ratliff can be seen yelling into a phone — are his secret financial troubles the cause of all the drama?

And it’s not only the hotel guests who will be experiencing dangers and difficulties this season. As with previous installments of the HBO drama, the third season will explore the cultural and economic contrast between the moneyed Western travelers and the Thai staffers tasked with waiting on them hand and foot, including Lalisa Manoba, Tayme Thapthimthong and Lek Patravadi.

“The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex, and I think the third season, it would be a satirical and funny look at death and eastern religion and spirituality,” writer-director Mike White revealed during a post-finale Season 2 featurette. “And it feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round of White Lotus.”

White also previously shared with Entertainment Weekly that season 3 was going to be “a supersized ‘White Lotus’”: “It’s going to be longer, bigger, crazier. I don’t know what people will think, but I am super excited, so at least for my own barometer, that’s a good thing …. I’m super excited about the content of the season.”

We’ll see exactly what goes down when “The White Lotus” season 3 premieres on HBO and Max on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. ET. In the meantime, Tom’s Guide will keep you update on all things “The White Lotus,” which has already been renewed for a fourth season. And if you need something else to keep you entertained, you can check out our guide to the best shows like “The White Lotus” that you can watch right now for more streaming recommendations.

Dennis Quaid Becomes the ‘Happy Face’ Killer in Trailer for New Paramount+ True Crime Series

Dennis Quaid is going from playing a slimeball in The Substance to a downright monster in the new Paramount+ series, Happy Face. The first teaser trailer for the true-crime show was just released, putting the Day After Tomorrow and Reagan star into the shoes of the real-life Happy Face Killer, Keith Hunter Jesperson. Though the prolific murderer’s name is the source of the title, the harrowing drama is instead inspired by the story of his daughter, Melissa G. Moore, who discovered his identity when she was 15 and has since changed her name and tried to move on while keeping their relation a secret. However, the footage teases how her father finds a way to force himself back into her life despite being locked up for life without parole.

Set to a chilling version of “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” by The Miracles, the trailer opens with Moore, played by Annaleigh Ashford, reckoning with her identity as the daughter of the Happy Face Killer on-stage during a Dr. Phil-like talk show. Flashes between her childhood and pictures of her father in prison show the conflicted nature of their relationship. She’s still haunted by his violent acts in her adult life, particularly after learning about the impact he had on the families of victims, and confronting it all is the only way she can keep the trauma from affecting those around her. Things get complicated, however, when they’re forced back together amid her race against time to determine whether an innocent man is about to be given the death penalty for a crime the Happy Face Killer committed. Everything in the teaser culminates in a tense face-to-face meeting that will likely confront the years of distance, emotion, and pain between them.

Happy Face pulls heavily from Moore’s autobiography Shattered Silence co-written by M. Bridget Cook and her Happy Face podcast recounting everything related to her father. She’s also since hosted the Life After Happy Face podcast that more directly covers the people connected to the killer or his victims and how they’ve managed in the years since his actions. The real-life Jesperson is still serving his sentence in an Oregon penitentiary after murdering eight women in the 1990s, but he claims his victims number over 100. His calling card that made him a household name was his communications with the police and the media with messages including small smile drawings. The series looks to be a must-watch for true-crime fans, dramatically exploring the father and daughter’s lives and all the lives upended by the former.

Who Else Is Involved in ‘Happy Face’?

Making up the supporting cast around Quaid and Ashford are James Wolk as Moore’s concerned husband, alongside Tamera Tomakili, Khiyla Aynne, Benjamin Mackey, and David Harewood. Jennifer Cacicio, who has experience writing for Shooter, Your Honor, and last year’s Sexy Beast prequel television series, steps in as the showrunner for Happy Face and executive produces with Moore, Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter, and Jordana Mollick. Showalter will also bring his experience from The Dropout behind the camera as he directed the first episode.

Happy Face will kick off its eight-episode season with two episodes on March 20, followed by more every week. Check out the first teaser in the player above.

Happy Face DramaCrime Release Date March 20, 2025 Cast Annaleigh Ashford Melissa Moore Dennis Quaid Happy Face

Powered by Expand Collapse

Get Paramount+

Selena Gomez Shares (and Deletes) an Emotional Insta Story Amid Deportations

As Donald Trump’s executive orders go into effect, many are feeling a sense of helplessness — Selena Gomez, included. The actor shared an emotional Instagram Story update on Monday, seemingly responding to the new administration’s immigration policies. In the video, captioned “I’m sorry” with a Mexican flag emoji, Selena sobbed over unspecified news.

“All my people are being attacked, the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something but I can’t,” she said through sobs. “I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”

Selena later deleted the video, sharing a black background with the words, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.” That message was also reportedly deleted shortly thereafter, likely due to backlash.

Media personalities on the right, like Tomi Lahren, immediately took to social media to belittle her message. Trolls, including a man who once ran for Senate, called to “deport Selena Gomez.” Her video even became fodder on Fox News.

Selena has yet to comment on the video or its reception, but this isn’t the first time the actor has spoken out on the issue of immigration. A descendant of immigrants (her paternal grandparents were immigrants from Mexico), Selena produced a docuseries on the lives of undocumented immigrants, called Living Undocumented.

She also previously wrote an op-ed in Time on the issue. “I’m concerned about the way people are being treated in my country,” she wrote in part. “As a Mexican-American woman I feel a responsibility to use my platform to be a voice for people who are too afraid to speak.”

To be clear, Selena’s message did not mention Trump or his 21 executive orders concerning immigration, but it did come a week after his inauguration, as his cabinet has vowed to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. As reported by the BBC, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 956 people during multiple raids just on Sunday, January 26, following a week of over 1,000 arrests. Moreover, Trump has also suspended asylum claims on the southern border.

If you or someone you know are concerned about increased ICE raids, know your rights.

Thrive in Menopause: 7 Essential Fitness Regimes

The Science Behind Fitness Regimes during Menopause

Welcome to the world where menopause meets muscle—where strength isn’t just physical, but a testament to resilience and smart choices. Fitness regimes tailored for menopause aren’t just a trend—science backs them, highlighting profound benefits for both physical and mental health.

Emphasize Low-Impact Resistance

Let’s gear up for a revelation—low-impact resistance exercises aren’t just a gentle approach. They’re the cornerstone of maintaining strength without the strain. Think of them as a stealth mode to empower your muscles while being kind to your joints. This approach takes the body’s changing dynamics into account, focusing on sustainability.

Balance and Stability Boosts

Balance isn’t just about standing tall—it’s about grounding yourself during life’s transitions. These fitness regimes are designed to put your body’s equilibrium under the microscope, fostering improvements in balance and stability that turn wobble into wonder. It’s a dance of control and grace.

Maintain Muscle Mass

Menopause doesn’t mean a muscle mass retreat. With the right exercises, you can maintain—or even gain—lean muscle. It’s like equipping your body with an armor of strength, turning age into just another number.

Mental Health Benefits

A clear mind is as important as a strong body. Exercise regimes during menopause have been shown not just to relieve the physical, but also the mental fog. Enhanced mood, reduced anxiety—these are the real-life ripple effects of a dedicated fitness journey.

Customizable At-Home Workouts

The beauty of these regimes? They’re as flexible as you need them to be. At-home workouts offer the freedom to tailor your fitness journey—no gym, no excuses. It’s about empowering you with convenience, fitting your lifestyle without compromise.

Community and Support

Never underestimate the power of community. Having a support system can be the catalyst to keep the momentum going. Sharing experiences, triumphs, and even setbacks creates an invisible net of encouragement—one that lifts you when motivation dips.

Scientific Validation

Put skepticism aside—these benefits aren’t just anecdotes. Science steps in with evidence, showing how specific regimes can transform the menopausal experience. It’s about harnessing the proven to elevate the personal.

So here it is, an exploration into a scientifically-backed journey of strength through menopause. It’s not just about managing change—it’s about thriving in it.

7 Ways Strength Training Boosts Mental Health

When life gears up with its usual obstacles, there’s one surefire way to rise above the chaos—strength training. We often put our mental health under the microscope—analyzing it, worrying about it, but sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Enter strength training—not just a tool for physical prowess but a dynamo for your mind.

Let’s talk about those feel-good chemicals—endorphins. Each pump of the iron, each rep that challenges your limits, triggers an endorphin release. These natural mood lifters bring a wave of euphoria, putting stress in its place and elevating your mood like nothing else. It’s like a happiness switch you can flip with every workout.

Confidence—one of the most stunning outcomes of strength training. You might start with a hesitant grip on the weights, but with each session, as your physique transforms and strength surges, you’ll feel a swell of self-esteem that no motivational quote can match. Trust in your progress and see how it changes your view of yourself and the world.

And then there’s focus. In a world that’s constantly distracted, the discipline required for strength training turns your mind sharp, laser-focused on the task at hand. This focus doesn’t just benefit you in the gym—it translates into everyday life, improving your concentration when everything else turns to chaos.

Anxiety can be relentless, but here’s where strength training steps in as an unexpected healer. The regular rhythmic ebb and flow of exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms significantly, taming those overwhelming feelings and replacing them with a sense of calm. It’s like putting chaos under control, one rep at a time.

As night falls, your body thanks you. Strength training enhances your sleep quality—you’ll fall asleep faster and enjoy a deep, restful slumber. The physical exertion ensures your body craves recovery, making every muscle unwind perfectly in sync with your mind.

And perhaps one of the less tangible but equally powerful outcomes is mindfulness. With every lift, you’re forced to listen to your body, acknowledge your breathing, and synchronize movement with thought. This mindfulness—cultivated through weights—has benefits far beyond the barbells, enriching your daily life with a newfound awareness.

So why merely face your mental challenges when you can gear up with strength training and conquer them? Your road to mental resilience and clarity might just begin with the simple act of lifting weights.

7 Strategies to Build an Unbreakable Mindset

Life has a way of throwing challenges at us when we least expect them—it’s how you respond that defines your character. The key to thriving isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about building a mindset of resilience, one that stands firm no matter the storm. Here are some powerful strategies to cultivate that warrior mentality.

Start by embracing discomfort. The magic of growth lies just outside your comfort zone, waiting for you to venture into the unknown. Regularly push your boundaries. Perhaps it’s lifting that extra weight or speaking up in a meeting. Each time you face discomfort head-on, you’re training your mind to adapt and overcome.

Next, set clear goals. A warrior does not charge into battle without a plan. Define what you want to achieve, and break it down into stepping stones—each a small victory, reinforcing your purpose. This clarity acts as your guiding star, a beacon that keeps you moving forward.

Gratitude might seem like a soft skill, but it’s a powerful tool in your arsenal. Take a moment each day to reflect on the positives in your life. This practice shifts your focus from problems to possibilities—fostering a mindset that seeks solutions rather than dwelling on difficulties.

Visualization is another critical tactic. Picture your success in vivid detail. See yourself crossing that finish line or shaking hands on that deal. This mental rehearsal prepares your mind, making the real accomplishment feel like destiny.

Your daily routine is your discipline in action. Create habits that propel you closer to your goals. Whether it’s meditating in the morning or journaling at night, routines build momentum—saving you from the energy-draining cycle of decision-making.

Surround yourself with positivity. Elevate your environment by seeking out mentors and communities that inspire and challenge you. Your mindset is shaped by the company you keep, so choose those who fuel your fire, not dampen your spirit.

Finally, learn from setbacks. Failure is life’s greatest teacher—if you allow it to be. When things don’t go your way, put them under the microscope. Extract lessons, but leave the self-criticism behind. Every setback is a setup for a comeback, equipping you with insights for your next attempt.

Building mental resilience is a journey—one of grit and grace. By embracing these strategies, you’ll not only tackle life’s challenges with courage but emerge stronger and more prepared for whatever comes your way. Gear up and shift your mindset—your warrior’s path awaits.

Selena Gomez Sobs in Raw, Since-Deleted Video with Mexican Flag, Says ‘All My People Are Getting Attacked’

Selena Gomez is devastated amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

On Monday, Jan. 27, the Emilia Perez star, 32, shared a video to her Instagram Story while in tears, alongside the caption, “I’m sorry” with a Mexican flag emoji.

“All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise,” Gomez said in the video while sobbing.

In another Instagram Story, Gomez wrote: “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.”

The “Good for You” musician’s post comes just one day after 956 people were arrested in a nationwide immigration crackdown — the most since Trump took office once again, per Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), via the BBC.

According to the outlet, the 956 reported arrests come after 286 arrests on Saturday, Jan. 25, 593 arrests on Friday, Jan. 24 and 538 arrests on Thursday, Jan. 23.

Per the Migration Policy Institute via the BBC, former President Joe Biden executed 1.5 million deportations during his first four years — numbers which “mirror the deportation numbers in Trump’s first term.”

Gomez has previously been outspoken in her advocacy for immigration.

In 2019, she produced the Netflix docuseries Living Undocumented, which centered on the lives of undocumented families in the United States.

She also opened up about her family’s own experience with undocumented immigration in an emotional op-ed for TIME in October 2019.

“Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day, and I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance,” she said in the piece, explaining that her aunt was the first out of her family to cross the border from Mexico into the U.S. in the back of a truck in the 1970s.

Gomez added that her “grandparents followed, and my father was born in Texas soon after.” She credited her family’s “bravery and sacrifice” for her being born a U.S. citizen.

However, the Only Murders in the Building actress was aware her story wasn’t the norm and found herself in tears watching footage about the eight subjects in Living Undocumented.

“But when I read the news headlines or see debates about immigration rage on social media, I feel afraid for those in similar situations. I feel afraid for my country,” Gomez wrote.

Democratic Rising Star Snared in Shocking Child Abuse Scandal!

Florida’s Democratic community has been rocked by the arrest of a prominent party official, Matthew Inman — a man once considered a rising star within the local political sphere. Inman’s charges are grave, involving transporting child sex abuse material (CSAM) and attempting to exploit an undercover sting operation that posed a potential threat to a child’s safety.

At 39, Inman held dual roles as the Orange County Democratic Party treasurer and president of Rainbow Democrats, a nonprofit committed to bridging gaps between LGBTQ+ members and the broader Democratic community. However, these roles have now become shadows of his alleged activities. Between August and October 2024, prosecutors assert that Inman collected and saved videos depicting the harrowing abuse of children at the hands of adults — a stark contrast to the values his public positions upheld.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Florida disclosed that the arrest culminated from a sting operation, where Inman reportedly communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer masquerading as the father of a nine-year-old boy. His expressed interest in meeting and abusing the purported child — coupled with the exchange of illicit material — marked a chilling betrayal of trust for those who knew him.

As federal agents descended upon Inman’s residence to execute a search warrant, he allegedly attempted to erase the digital evidence from his phone. In a desperate bid to evade capture, he sought refuge in his own attic — an unsuccessful last stand that has since led to his detention at the Seminole County Jail, held without bond.

The implications of these charges have galvanized a swift response from the Democratic community. Rainbow Democrats — the organization Inman once led — expressed profound shock, stating, “We offer our condolences to any victims of child sexual abuse and hope justice will be served to the fullest extent of the law.” His presidency is now in abeyance, pending official removal at their next general meeting.

Similarly, the Orange County Democratic Party has not minced words, stating, “We are deeply appalled and horrified by the news that Matthew Inman has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse involving a minor.” The party has taken immediate action by suspending Inman from all related duties, underscoring their commitment to “uphold the highest standards of accountability and integrity.”

These allegations extend beyond the individual — they pose a fundamental question about the party’s vetting processes and the trust it places in those who represent its values. In the midst of political division, such revelations have the power to erode public confidence, making it crucial for the Democratic Party to not only distance itself from the actions of one but to fortify the principles it stands by.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Matthew Inman faces a potential 20-year sentence if convicted, a sobering reminder of the severe penalties associated with his alleged crimes. As shadows linger over his past endeavors, the Democratic Party must navigate this challenging terrain, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the community and upholding the values of accountability and justice.