LOS ANGELES — Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a confidential settlement, bringing an abrupt end to the high-profile legal battle that erupted during the production and promotion of the film “It Ends With Us,” sources close to both parties confirmed Thursday. The resolution, coming just months after Lively filed a bombshell lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and a smear campaign, avoids a potentially explosive trial and allows both stars to move forward amid intense public scrutiny.

The settlement was finalized in recent days, according to multiple people familiar with the negotiations. Neither side has released details of the agreement, including any financial terms or admissions of wrongdoing. Both Lively and Baldoni issued joint statements expressing a desire to put the matter behind them and focus on their families and future projects.

In a carefully worded joint statement, the two said: “We have decided to resolve our differences amicably and privately. We wish each other the best and ask for privacy as we move forward with our lives and careers.” The statement was released through their respective representatives and marked the first public communication between the parties since the lawsuit was filed in December 2025.

Lively’s original complaint accused Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, of creating a hostile work environment, including allegations of sexual harassment, fat-shaming and orchestrating a public relations campaign to damage her reputation. Baldoni denied all allegations, calling them “categorically false” and filing a countersuit accusing Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds of defamation and interference with his professional relationships.

The dispute quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about scandals, dominating tabloid coverage and social media discussions for months. It also sparked broader conversations about power dynamics on film sets, the role of crisis PR firms and the challenges faced by women in the industry when speaking out.

Timeline of the Dispute

The tensions reportedly began during filming in 2024 but erupted publicly after the film’s release in August 2025. Lively alleged that Baldoni and others engaged in inappropriate behavior and later retaliated against her when she raised concerns. Baldoni’s team maintained that creative differences and Lively’s desire for more control over the project fueled the conflict.

The lawsuit detailed text messages, alleged meetings and involvement of high-profile PR strategist Melissa Nathan, whose firm was accused of running a smear campaign against Lively. Baldoni’s countersuit claimed Lively and Reynolds tried to take over the film and then retaliated when he resisted.

The case was set for trial in 2027, but both sides faced mounting pressure to resolve it privately to avoid further reputational damage and the release of sensitive information during discovery.

Settlement Details Remain Confidential

Legal experts say confidential settlements are common in Hollywood disputes to protect both parties’ images and avoid the unpredictability of a jury trial. While the exact terms are unknown, such agreements often include nondisclosure clauses, mutual releases and sometimes financial compensation.

Neither Lively nor Baldoni is expected to comment further. Representatives for both declined to provide additional details beyond the joint statement.

The resolution comes as both stars look to move on professionally. Lively has several projects in development, including a return to the “Gossip Girl” universe in a new form. Baldoni is focusing on directing and producing future films while dealing with the aftermath of the public scandal.

Impact on Hollywood and #MeToo Conversations

The settlement, while ending the legal fight, is unlikely to quiet the broader cultural conversation sparked by the case. It highlighted ongoing issues around workplace behavior, the power of PR narratives and the challenges of addressing allegations in the public eye.

Advocates for survivors praised Lively for speaking out, while others criticized the speed and confidentiality of the resolution, arguing it prevents full accountability. Hollywood insiders say the case has made studios and producers more cautious about talent disputes and documentation on sets.

The involvement of high-profile figures like Reynolds, who was accused in Baldoni’s countersuit of being overly involved in the production, added another layer of celebrity drama that captivated the public for months. Reynolds largely stayed silent publicly but was reportedly instrumental in supporting his wife through the ordeal.

Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz

The news of the settlement triggered an immediate wave of reactions online. Some fans celebrated what they saw as justice for Lively, while others expressed disappointment that no public admission or detailed findings emerged. Hashtags related to the case trended again briefly, with many expressing fatigue over the prolonged drama.

The resolution also sparked renewed discussion about the original film “It Ends With Us,” which became a box office success despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil. Some viewers have called for a reevaluation of the movie in light of the allegations, while others argue it should be judged on its own merits as an adaptation of a popular novel about domestic violence.

What’s Next for Both Stars

For Lively, the settlement allows her to focus on her family — she and Reynolds share four young children — and her growing business empire, including Rare Beauty. She has several acting projects lined up and is expected to take a more selective approach to future roles.

Baldoni faces the challenge of rebuilding his reputation after the public accusations. His production company, Wayfarer Studios, continues to develop projects, but he has stepped back from some public-facing roles. Industry observers say it may take time for him to regain trust with major studios and talent.

Both parties are expected to maintain a low profile in the coming months as they focus on healing and moving forward. The entertainment industry will be watching closely to see how their careers recover from one of the most publicized Hollywood disputes in recent memory.

The settlement brings a quiet close to a saga that captivated the public for months. While many questions remain unanswered, both Lively and Baldoni appear ready to turn the page and focus on the next chapters of their lives and careers. In Hollywood, where image is everything, the ability to resolve such high-stakes conflicts privately may ultimately benefit both stars as they seek to reclaim their narratives.

NEW YORK — The New York Times Connections puzzle for Sunday, May 10, 2026 — No. 1064 — delivered a delightful mix of famous painters, types of cheese, car brands and words that can precede “Ring,” challenging players to find the perfect groupings while sparking lively discussion on social media about the clever purple category.

The 16 words in today’s grid were: PICASSO, VAN GOGH, MONET, DA VINCI, CHEDDAR, BRIE, GOUDA, FETA, TOYOTA, FORD, HONDA, TESLA, ENGAGEMENT, WEDDING, ONION, KEY.

Yellow (Easiest): Famous Painters PICASSO, VAN GOGH, MONET, DA VINCI

These are four legendary artists whose works have shaped art history. This category was the most straightforward for most solvers and typically solved first.

Green: Types of Cheese CHEDDAR, BRIE, GOUDA, FETA

These are popular cheeses from different culinary traditions. Many players noted this as a tasty and approachable group, especially with Mother’s Day brunches in mind.

Blue: Car Brands TOYOTA, FORD, HONDA, TESLA

These are four well-known automobile manufacturers. The grouping tested basic consumer knowledge and was often solved after the more obvious categories.

Purple (Hardest): Words that can precede “Ring” ENGAGEMENT, WEDDING, ONION, KEY

Removing one word from each creates famous phrases: Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring, Onion Ring, Key Ring. This category rewarded lateral thinking and cultural knowledge, causing the most difficulty for many players.

Hints and Solving Strategies

For players who prefer gentle guidance, strong starting strategies on May 10 included scanning for obvious artist names and car brands. The purple category proved particularly tricky, requiring solvers to think beyond the literal words and consider common phrases. Experienced players recommend grouping clear pairs first, then testing remaining connections systematically while avoiding more than four mistakes.

The puzzle earned a moderate-to-hard difficulty rating, with the purple group causing the majority of stumbles. Many shared that once they spotted the “Ring” connection, the rest fell into place quickly.

Connections’ Growing Popularity in 2026

Since its debut, Connections has become a beloved morning ritual for millions alongside Wordle and the Mini Crossword. The game’s appeal lies in its perfect balance of logic, vocabulary, pop culture and wordplay. Puzzle No. 1064 exemplified this mix, blending art, food, automotive and everyday phrases in an engaging way.

Social media platforms lit up Saturday evening and Sunday morning with shared grids, frustration over the purple category and praise for the clever “Ring” twist. Hashtags like #NYTConnections and #Connections1064 trended as players compared streaks and solving times. Some reported perfect games, while others needed all six guesses.

The New York Times continues refining the game with careful curation to maintain accessibility while offering escalating challenge. Categories range from straightforward associations (yellow) to abstract or pun-heavy links (purple), ensuring broad appeal across ages and backgrounds.

Why Today’s Puzzle Resonated

The famous painters and car brands categories felt approachable and educational. The cheese grouping added a fun, relatable touch, while the “Ring” category delighted wordplay enthusiasts but frustrated those less familiar with common phrases. Many players noted the puzzle had a nice “Sunday morning” feel with its mix of culture, food and everyday life.

Parents and educators appreciate Connections for building vocabulary, pattern recognition and cultural knowledge in an entertaining format. Many use it as a family activity or classroom warm-up, fostering discussion around language nuances and shared references.

Tips for Mastering Connections

Veteran players offered these strategies for May 10 and beyond:

• Look for proper nouns or capitalized phrases that might signal artists, brands or titles.
• Consider multiple meanings — words like “ring” can be literal or part of a phrase.
• Group by obvious themes like art or cars early.
• Save riskier guesses for later when fewer options remain.
• Learn from mistakes: review solved puzzles to spot patterns for future days.

For those building streaks, consistency and a calm approach help. Resources like the official NYT companion or independent hint sites provide gentle nudges without full reveals for purists.

Broader NYT Games Ecosystem

Connections complements other NYT offerings like Wordle, Spelling Bee, Strands and the Mini Crossword, creating a robust daily brain-training routine. Many subscribers start their mornings with the full suite, sharing results across platforms and competing with friends.

The game’s design encourages replayability and community without paywalls for basic access, though subscribers gain additional features and archives. Its popularity reflects growing interest in mental fitness and shared online experiences in an increasingly digital world.

As May 10 unfolded, conversations shifted toward tomorrow’s puzzle while today’s solvers reflected on their performance. Whether achieving a perfect solve or learning new connections, Puzzle #1064 delivered the satisfying “aha” moments that keep players returning daily.

Connections continues proving that word games can be both challenging and joyful, fostering curiosity and clever thinking one puzzle at a time. For fans, today’s mix of art, food, cars and classic phrases offered a memorable ride through language and culture.

NEW YORK — Rocket Lab USA Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB) shares surged 34.32% on Thursday to close at $105.54, marking one of the largest single-day gains in the company’s history as investors cheered a successful static fire test of its medium-lift Neutron rocket and the announcement of multiple new multi-year defense contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The dramatic move added roughly $8 billion in market capitalization in a single session and sent the stock well into triple-digit territory for the first time.

Volume was exceptionally heavy, exceeding 120 million shares — more than ten times the daily average — as short sellers scrambled to cover positions and momentum investors piled in. The rally extended into after-hours trading, with shares climbing another 0.43% to $106.00. Rocket Lab’s market capitalization now exceeds $50 billion, cementing its status as one of the leading pure-play space companies on the public market.

The catalyst for the surge came from two key developments. First, Rocket Lab successfully completed a full-duration static fire test of the Neutron rocket’s Archimedes engine at its new launch complex in Virginia. The test demonstrated stable combustion and performance well within expected parameters, clearing a critical milestone toward the vehicle’s maiden flight later this year. Neutron is designed to carry up to 13,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit and is positioned to compete directly with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for medium-lift missions.

Second, the company announced it had secured several new contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and allied partners totaling more than $450 million. These agreements include rapid-response launch services, satellite deployment for classified missions, and long-term support for space domain awareness programs. Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck described the deals as “a validation of our ability to deliver reliable, affordable access to space for national security customers.”

Strong Fundamentals Underpin the Rally

Rocket Lab has been on a tear in 2026. The company has already completed multiple successful Electron launches this year and is rapidly scaling production of both Electron and Neutron vehicles. Its space systems business, which designs and manufactures satellites and components, has also shown robust growth as demand for small satellites and constellation deployments accelerates.

First-quarter 2026 results, released in early May, showed revenue jumping 85% year-over-year to $412 million, beating analyst expectations. The company turned profitable on an adjusted basis for the first time, posting $28 million in adjusted EBITDA. Management raised full-year guidance and highlighted a record backlog exceeding $1.8 billion.

Analysts reacted swiftly to Thursday’s developments. Several firms raised price targets, with some now calling for $150–$180 within 12 months. The consensus rating remains Strong Buy, with analysts citing Rocket Lab’s technological edge, growing launch cadence and expanding role in national security space missions.

Competitive Position in a Booming Sector

Rocket Lab has carved out a strong niche in the small-to-medium launch market. While SpaceX dominates with Falcon 9 reusability, Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket offers responsive, dedicated launches ideal for smaller payloads and time-sensitive missions. Neutron is intended to bridge the gap to larger payloads while maintaining the company’s focus on rapid turnaround and customer flexibility.

The company’s vertical integration — designing and building both rockets and satellites — gives it a unique advantage. This end-to-end capability allows Rocket Lab to offer complete mission solutions, from launch to on-orbit operations, appealing to both commercial and government customers.

Defense contracts are becoming an increasingly important part of the business. The U.S. Space Force and allied nations are seeking reliable domestic launch providers to reduce dependence on foreign systems and ensure responsive access to space. Rocket Lab’s proven track record and U.S. manufacturing footprint position it well for continued growth in this segment.

Risks and Challenges Ahead

Despite the enthusiasm, risks remain. Rocket Lab is still a relatively young company operating in a capital-intensive industry. Successful Neutron development and consistent launch cadence will be critical to sustaining investor confidence. Competition from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and emerging players could intensify as the small-launch market matures.

Supply chain constraints, regulatory hurdles and technical challenges during Neutron’s test flight program could create volatility. The stock’s rapid rise has also left it vulnerable to profit-taking and potential corrections if near-term milestones are missed.

Long-Term Outlook Remains Bright

Looking further into 2026 and beyond, analysts project Rocket Lab could achieve annual revenues exceeding $2 billion by 2028 if Neutron enters regular service and the space systems business continues scaling. The company’s focus on reusability for Neutron, advanced manufacturing techniques and strong customer relationships provide multiple paths for growth.

For investors, Thursday’s surge highlights both the opportunity and volatility in the commercial space sector. While the move may invite some profit-taking, the fundamental story — accelerating launch cadence, growing backlog and expanding role in national security — suggests further upside if execution remains strong.

Those already holding shares have compelling reasons to maintain positions, while new buyers may view periodic pullbacks as opportunities to participate in what many see as a multi-year secular growth story in space infrastructure. Diversification within the aerospace sector remains prudent, but Rocket Lab stands out for its technological innovation and market momentum.

As trading continued Thursday, attention turned to whether the stock could hold these elevated levels or if momentum carries it even higher. Regardless, Rocket Lab has delivered a powerful reminder of how specialized players in the new space economy can deliver outsized returns when technological milestones align with strong customer demand.

The company’s transformation from a small-launch specialist to a comprehensive space systems provider appears well underway, with today’s results marking a significant milestone in that journey. Whether this proves to be a new chapter of sustained outperformance will depend on continued execution in the quarters ahead, but for now, investors are rewarding Rocket Lab handsomely for delivering on its growth promises.