Recent developments have shed light on Taylor Swift’s involvement in the ongoing legal conflict between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, particularly addressing false reports about Swift’s deposition. Although early news suggested Swift had consented to be deposed by Baldoni’s legal team representing the film It Ends With Us, Swift’s attorneys corrected the record in a letter dated September 12 to U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
Swift’s lawyers emphasized that she has maintained from the outset that she holds no significant role in the case, writing that Swift
“did not agree to a deposition but if she is forced into a deposition, we advised (after first hearing about the deposition just three days ago) that her schedule would accommodate the time required during the week of October 20 if the parties were able to work out their disputes.”
—Swift’s legal team
The letter also underlined that Swift and her team do not participate in the underlying disputes in this litigation. In response, Blake Lively’s attorneys criticized Baldoni’s camp for the timing and conduct regarding Swift’s deposition, stating the defendants
“are silent about their efforts (if any)”
to schedule the deposition during the discovery period and noted a lack of communication until just prior to the proposed date.
Lively’s legal team expressed astonishment at what they described as Baldoni’s side’s disregard for Swift’s privacy and professional calendar, emphasizing that discovery has been active for over six months. They further reproached a previous subpoena served on Swift in May, which was accompanied by significant media attention but subsequently withdrawn without explanation.
Swift’s spokesperson reinforced her minimal connection to the film, clarifying,
“Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie. She was not involved in any casting or creative decisions, she did not score the film, she never saw an edit or made any notes on the film.”
—Swift’s representative
Her representative added that Swift did not view It Ends With Us until weeks after its release, as she spent much of 2023 and 2024 touring globally for her Eras Tour. This clarification reflects Swift’s role solely as a musical licensor for the track My Tears Ricochet, one of many artists whose work was used in the film.
Origins of the Conflict: Blake Lively Files Complaint Against Justin Baldoni and Associates
On December 20, 2024, Blake Lively launched a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against Justin Baldoni and multiple affiliates linked to his production company, Wayfarer Studios. The suit arose months after the theatrical debut of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends With Us.
The complaint named Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath, cofounder Steve Sarowitz, Baldoni’s publicist Jennifer Abel, crisis communications specialist Melissa Nathan, and several others as defendants. Lively accused them of orchestrating a detailed media and digital campaign to retaliate after she spoke up about alleged misconduct during filming, highlighting
“invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior”
attributed to Baldoni and Heath.
Claims within the complaint include sexual harassment, retaliation, inadequate investigations of harassment claims, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and interference with economic opportunities. Lively asserted that this campaign inflicted considerable personal and professional damage.
Media Coverage Exposes Alleged Smear Campaign Against Blake Lively
The following day, December 21, 2024, The New York Times published an exposé based on Lively’s complaint. The article revealed messages sent by Baldoni and his associates, which Lively’s team cited as evidence of a retaliatory smear effort. The article allowed public access to court filings supporting these claims.
Lively conveyed her intent to the publication, stating,
“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct, and helps protect others who may be targeted.”
—Blake Lively
Legal Response from Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios
Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni and Wayfarer, publicly rejected Lively’s accusations as false and damaging. In a statement made to The New York Times, Freedman called the allegations “shameful” and insisted that the claims were part of a ploy by Lively and her team to repair her public image following her negative campaign-related remarks.
Freedman defended Wayfarer’s engagement of a crisis manager, stating the move preceded the film’s marketing campaign and was intended only to ensure balanced media coverage. He criticized the selective nature of evidence presented by Lively’s side, explaining that internal planning discussions typical of public relations operations were falsely portrayed as retaliation.
Consequences for Baldoni: Talent Agency Drops Representation
On December 21, 2024, William Morris Endeavor (WME), Baldoni’s talent agency, severed ties following the publication of the New York Times report. Ari Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor, confirmed the decision but explicitly denied claims that Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, influenced this outcome.
WME clarified,
“Baldoni’s former representative was not at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere nor was there any pressure from Reynolds or Lively at any time to drop Baldoni as a client.”
—William Morris Endeavor spokesperson
Support from Castmates and Industry Figures for Blake Lively
In the wake of Lively’s allegations, several notable celebrities associated with It Ends With Us and beyond expressed solidarity. Author Colleen Hoover praised Lively’s honesty and kindness, stating,
@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt.”
—Colleen Hoover
Actor Jenny Slate, who portrayed the sister of Baldoni’s character, voiced her support, calling Lively a leader and source of emotional strength. Slate described the alleged attacks against Lively as
“terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening”
and applauded Lively’s bravery.
Brandon Sklenar, who played Lively’s character’s love interest, urged people to read the complaint, while Lively’s co-stars from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants — America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn — also declared steadfast support for her.
Reflection of Fallout: Podcast Cohost Exits Amid Controversy
On December 23, 2024, Liz Plank announced her departure from The Man Enough Podcast, which she had cohosted with Baldoni and Heath. She notified her listeners via Instagram that she had instructed her representatives to discontinue her involvement, without explicitly attributing her departure to the ongoing legal battle.
Plank expressed deep appreciation for the community built through the show and reaffirmed her commitment to values of justice and accountability. She added,
“I will have more to share soon as I continue to process everything that has happened. In the meantime, I will continue to support everyone who calls out injustice and holds the people standing in their way accountable.”
—Liz Plank
Additional Legal Actions Inside the Growing Dispute
The conflict expanded further on December 24, 2024, when Baldoni’s former publicist Stephanie Jones and her agency Jonesworks LLC sued Baldoni, Wayfarer, Jennifer Abel, and Melissa Nathan in New York. The lawsuit alleged that Abel and Nathan conspired to damage Jones professionally through a fabricated smear campaign connected with the broader dispute involving Lively.
The suit accused Abel and Nathan of contract breaches, client poaching, and defamation, while also claiming Baldoni and Wayfarer repudiated contractual obligations with Jonesworks and refused private arbitration attempts.
Lively’s legal team revealed that the damaging text messages quoted in the New York Times article had been obtained via subpoena to Jonesworks, while Freedman, representing Abel and Nathan, pledged to sue Jones for allegedly leaking phone messages to Lively’s attorneys.
Major Lawsuits Filed by Both Sides Against Media and Each Other
On December 31, 2024, Baldoni and his associates initiated a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, denying all claims related to the smear campaign and accusing the newspaper of publishing a one-sided and false narrative based primarily on Lively’s unsubstantiated complaint. They alleged that the Times disregarded extensive evidence contradicting Lively’s version of events, accusing her instead of orchestrating a calculated smear campaign. The Times responded that it would vigorously defend its journalistic integrity and detailed reporting.
That same day, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit naming Baldoni, Wayfarer, and other associated parties, reiterating allegations of harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress found in her earlier complaints. Her attorneys stressed that the newly filed case affirmed her original claims despite Baldoni’s accusations accusing her of not intending to pursue litigation.
Baldoni’s Legal Team Signals Further Lawsuits and Addresses Public Attacks
On January 2, 2025, Freedman publicly indicated the intention to pursue additional litigation against other “bad actors” involved in this multifaceted conflict. He stated unequivocally their plan to continue pursuing legal remedies against Lively as well.
Meanwhile, public speculation spiked about alleged indirect attacks by Ryan Reynolds via the character Nicepool in the film Deadpool & Wolverine. Freedman condemned such rumors during a January 7 interview, emphasizing that mockery is inappropriate when serious harassment claims are involved:
“What I make of that is that if your wife is sexually harassed, you don’t make fun of Justin Baldoni. You don’t make fun of the situation. You take it very seriously. You file HR complaints. You raise the issue and you follow a legal process. What you don’t do is mock the person and turn it into a joke.”
—Bryan Freedman
Simultaneously, Lively’s lawyers highlighted ongoing attacks against her, underscoring the gravity of her claims and condemning attempts to discredit victims through various legal and social tactics.
Counter Lawsuit Targets Lively, Reynolds, and Their Team
On January 16, 2025, Baldoni, Wayfarer, and related defendants filed an additional lawsuit encompassing Lively, Ryan Reynolds, her publicist Leslie Sloane, and Sloane’s PR firm. The suit accused the defendants of civil extortion, defamation, interference with contracts, and economic harm, denying the harassment and retaliation claims. It alleged that Lively seized creative control erroneously and collaborated with others to damage Baldoni’s reputation following backlash about her promotional role.
Freedman characterized Lively’s actions as being either deliberately misleading or knowingly falsified.
Lively’s Legal Team Denounces Baldoni’s Lawsuit as a Desperate Retaliation
Responding on January 16, Lively’s attorneys called Baldoni’s legal filing
“another chapter in the abuser playbook,”
accusing him of employing “DARVO” tactics—denying, attacking, and reversing victim and offender. They contended that evidence would prove Lively’s adherence to Sony’s marketing plan and that others on set also reported negative experiences with Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios.
The team criticized Baldoni’s efforts to blame Lively for the harassment, citing victim-blaming narratives and dismissive responses to her allegations.
Behind-the-Scenes Footage Adds Complexity to the Allegations
On January 21, 2025, Baldoni’s attorneys released behind-the-scenes footage from It Ends With Us, asserting the video disproved Lively’s depiction of inappropriate conduct. They described the scene as a consensual and professional portrayal of romantic closeness.
Lively’s legal representatives countered that the footage supported her account of improvised and unsolicited physical contact, pointing out visible discomfort and pleas to communicate rather than be touched. They claimed anyone with workplace harassment experience would recognize signs of unease in her actions.
Request for Gag Order to Limit Baldoni’s Lawyer’s Public Statements
On January 22, 2025, Lively and Reynolds petitioned the presiding judge to impose a gag order on Freedman, Baldoni’s lead attorney, to prevent statements that might prejudice the ongoing case or lead to improper conduct.
Key Voice Memo from Baldoni Revealed, Showing Apology and Praise for Lively and Others
On January 27, 2025, a seven-minute voice message allegedly sent by Baldoni to Lively was published. In it, Baldoni acknowledged Lively’s contributions to rewriting a rooftop scene and referenced a meeting involving Reynolds and Taylor Swift. He expressed admiration, saying,
“We should all have friends like that aside from the fact that they’re two of the most creative people on the planet. The three of you guys together, it’s unbelievable.”
He also apologized for his initial reaction, stating,
“I f–ked up. One thing you should know about me is that I will admit and apologize when I fail.”
Trial Date Set for Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Lawsuit
The court scheduled the trial for March 9, 2026, approximately one month after Lively formalized her lawsuit against Baldoni. This date sets a timeline for the continuation of the high-profile legal dispute.
Expanded Lawsuit Integrates The New York Times in the Litigation
On January 31, 2025, Baldoni’s legal team amended their counterclaim to include The New York Times among the defendants. The filing accused Lively and her team of orchestrating a collusion designed to provide false material to the newspaper, which allegedly manipulated communications by cherry-picking and misrepresenting details.
Creation of Dedicated Website to Present Baldoni’s Perspective
On February 2, 2025, Baldoni’s team launched a website featuring his lawsuit documentation and a detailed timeline of events related to the case, including screenshots of text exchanges involving Lively, Reynolds, and Baldoni. Freedman had earlier committed to making all communications public to ensure transparency and allow the public to judge the evidence directly.
Lively Files Amended Complaint Introducing Additional Witnesses
On February 18, 2025, Lively’s attorneys filed an amended complaint including testimony from two unnamed women who reportedly felt uncomfortable due to Baldoni’s behavior on set. The complaint stated that Baldoni was aware of multiple complaints dating back to May 2023. The two potential witnesses remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation amid ongoing disputes.
Freedman dismissed the amended complaint as based on hearsay and claimed the new witnesses were unwilling to publicly support Lively’s claims.
Publicist Leslie Sloane Seeks Removal from the Lawsuit
On February 20, 2025, Sloane moved to be dismissed from the lawsuit after Baldoni accused her of participating in a malicious smear campaign against him. Sloane’s attorney argued that the accusations lacked any basis and claimed her involvement was exploited as a distraction from the core harassment allegations.
Lively Enlists Former CIA Deputy Chief of Staff for Legal Strategy
On February 28, 2025, Lively brought Nick Shapiro, a former Deputy Chief of Staff at the CIA and expert in crisis management, to advise on legal communications for her ongoing case. Shapiro’s extensive experience in security and global crisis communications is aimed at strengthening the strategic approach to this complex litigation.
The New York Times Seeks to Exit the Lawsuit
Also on February 28, The New York Times filed a motion to dismiss itself from the extensive $400 million lawsuit. The newspaper contended that despite widespread media attention, it is not an appropriate party in the dispute. The motion noted that previous claims against The Times had been dismissed after it was added to the case.
Judge Temporarily Suspends Discovery in Baldoni’s $400 Million Case
On March 4, 2025, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman granted the newspaper’s request to pause discovery — preventing the exchange of information or documents—while the court evaluates The New York Times’ motion to dismiss. The judge recognized substantial grounds suggesting the dismissal motion may prevail and ruled that Baldoni’s legal team would not be unfairly prejudiced by this temporary stay.
The Times issued a statement appreciating the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment rights and the avoidance of unnecessary burdens.
Attempts to Subpoena Taylor Swift Draw Swift’s Representatives’ Denial and Withdrawal
In May 2025, Baldoni’s legal team sought to subpoena Taylor Swift after alleging that Lively used her friendship with Swift to gain additional creative control over the film. Swift’s team responded firmly that she had no creative involvement beyond granting a song license, stressing that Swift
“never set foot on the set”
and was not engaged in production decisions.
The request to depose Swift was subsequently withdrawn later that month.
Court Dismisses Baldoni’s Countersuit Against Lively and Reynolds
On June 9, 2025, a judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, Sloane’s company, and The New York Times. The court found that Baldoni had failed to substantiate claims of defamation and civil extortion.
Following the dismissal, Lively shared on Instagram,
“Like so many others, I’ve felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us. While the suit against me was defeated, so many don’t have the resources to fight back.”
—Blake Lively
Conversely, Baldoni’s attorney disputed Lively’s declaration of victory as false, maintaining that no harassment or smear campaign occurred.
Blake Lively’s Deposition Conducted Amidst Media Speculation
On July 31, 2025, Lively gave a deposition at her lawyers’ office in New York. Despite rumors of a tense, face-to-face confrontation with Baldoni, her legal team filed a motion refuting these claims, clarifying that while Baldoni and co-defendants attended alongside their attorneys, the portrayal of a dramatic showdown was misleading.
The Blake Lively legal battle with Justin Baldoni remains ongoing, marked by numerous filings, counterclaims, and heated public exchanges. Taylor Swift’s involvement has been explicitly limited, as her legal team continues to resist efforts to entangle her unnecessarily. The various lawsuits, upcoming trial, and legal strategies indicate the conflict will endure into 2026, capturing significant media and public attention due to its complex mix of harassment allegations, defamation claims, and industry implications.
