Several high-profile figures connected to Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni could be called to testify in their upcoming 2026 sexual harassment trial. The legal battle stems from Lively’s December 2024 lawsuit accusing Baldoni of fostering a hostile work environment and orchestrating a campaign to damage her reputation, allegations Baldoni denies.
The trial, which may begin on March 9, 2026, revolves around claims of workplace misconduct and reputational harm, with Lively seeking at least $161 million in damages. Alongside Lively, other well-known personalities who have connections to both parties could potentially provide testimony during the case.
Ryan Reynolds’ Possible Testimony
Court documents unsealed in late 2025 reveal that Lively’s legal team identified numerous individuals with relevant information, among them actor Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband. Initially named as a codefendant in Baldoni’s countersuit, Reynolds was later removed from the case after his attorneys argued there was no defamatory statement directly attributable to him.
Reynolds’ counsel stated,
“The entirety of Mr. Baldoni’s case appears to be based on Mr. Reynolds allegedly privately calling Mr. Baldoni a ‘predator,’ but here is the problem, that is not defamation unless they can show that Mr. Reynolds did not believe that statement to be true,”
Reynolds’ attorneys told Us.
“The complaint doesn’t allege that, and just the opposite, the allegations in the complaint suggest that Mr. Reynolds genuinely believes Mr. Baldoni is a predator.”
Despite the dismissal of Baldoni’s countersuit against Reynolds in June 2025, Baldwin’s lawyers had previously labeled Reynolds a coconspirator in an alleged smear campaign against the director. Reynolds could still appear as a witness depending on the trial’s proceedings.
Taylor Swift’s Potential Involvement
Pop star Taylor Swift was linked to the dispute early on due to her song My Tears Ricochet being used in Baldoni’s film It Ends With Us, along with unconfirmed reports she provided input on a key scene. Swift’s representatives have repeatedly emphasized her limited role, clarifying she had no creative input or involvement in casting decisions.
Her spokesperson stated,
“She did not score the film, she never saw an edit or made any notes on the film,”
adding,
“She did not even see It Ends With Us until weeks after its public release, and was traveling around the globe during 2023 and 2024 headlining the biggest tour in history.”
Although Baldoni’s legal team sought to depose Swift in October 2025, her lawyers confirmed that Swift did not volunteer for deposition but was willing to comply if required, scheduling availability during the week of October 20. Judge Lewis J. Liman ultimately denied Baldoni’s request to depose Swift before discovery ended, citing a lack of sufficient justification.
Documents later filed by Team Lively suggested Swift might have knowledge about discussions on set, the creative process, and the alleged retaliation campaign Lively claims to have suffered. Whether Swift will testify at trial remains uncertain.
Hugh Jackman’s Possible Testimony and Connections
Actor Hugh Jackman, known for starring alongside Reynolds in the 2024 Marvel film Deadpool & Wolverine, is another figure associated with the case. Baldoni’s team had suggested that the Deadpool variant character “Nicepool,” played by Reynolds, was a veiled reference intended to ridicule Baldoni, which led to subpoenas issued to Marvel Studios and Disney executives in early 2025.
Baldoni’s counsel requested preservation of any documents related to accusations that the character was used to mock or intimidate him. Jackman may be called upon in trial to speak about his friendships with Reynolds and Lively as well as their business ventures outside of Hollywood, such as their part-ownership of an Australian SailGP sailing team.
Emily Blunt’s Role in the Legal Proceedings
Emily Blunt, a longtime friend of Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, was named in Lively’s legal disclosures as someone with relevant information. Blunt and her husband John Krasinski share a close bond with the couple, which could provide context or insight for the trial.
Former ‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ Co-Stars May Weigh In
Several of Lively’s former Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars — Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, and Alexis Bledel — appeared in court documents as potential witnesses. These longtime friends publicly expressed support for Lively following her initial lawsuit filing.
In a joint statement, they said,
“As Blake’s friends and sisters for over 20 years, we stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation,”
adding,
“Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice. Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors’ stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding.”
The trio concluded,
“We were struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated and resourced as our friend Blake, she can face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe working environment. We are inspired by our sister’s courage to stand up for herself and others.”
Jenny Slate and Other Film Collaborators Have Been Deposited
Jenny Slate, who portrayed Baldoni’s character’s sister in It Ends With Us, along with co-star Isabela Ferrer and the book’s author Colleen Hoover, have all been deposed in preparation for the 2026 trial. Slate publicly supported Lively when the legal dispute began, expressing loyalty and solidarity.
Slate said,
“As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation,”
and added,
“Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.”
Gigi Hadid’s Association with the Case
Supermodel Gigi Hadid, a close friend of Lively, is mentioned in court documents as someone who might have heard complaints regarding the work environment on the set of It Ends With Us. Her involvement could provide important testimony about Lively’s claims of harassment and potential retaliation.
Scooter Braun’s Potential Testimony on Retaliation
Music manager Scooter Braun was included on Lively’s witness list for possibly having information about Baldoni’s alleged behavior and the claimed retaliation campaign. Braun and Baldoni share a history of friendship and even collaborated on a 2018 podcast discussing the effects of the #MeToo movement.
Candace Owens’ Possible Role in the Trial
Conservative commentator Candace Owens was identified by Lively’s legal team in mid-2025 as someone they might subpoena along with podcaster Andy Signore and blogger Perez Hilton. Owens expressed surprise and frustration over the possibility of being called as a witness, stating,
“Given the fact that I have not received any subpoena yet, I appreciate Blake’s team leaking this to TMZ to alert me to it,”
and
“And, of course, I have not the slightest idea what I am being subpoenaed for as I knew none of these parties when their respective lawsuits were filed. But stay tuned, and I’ll let audiences know on my podcast.”
Although she appeared unaware of the specifics, Owens’ inclusion indicates the broad scope of potential testimony expected in the trial.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Trial
The list of potential Blake Lively trial witnesses reflects the complex network of personal and professional relationships intertwined in the case against Justin Baldoni. With high-profile names from Hollywood, music, and public commentary, the trial promises to be a high-stakes legal confrontation. The outcome could influence future workplace harassment cases within the entertainment industry and highlight issues around reputational harm and social retaliation.
As the trial date approaches, whether these celebrities will take the stand or remain peripheral documentary sources remains to be seen. However, the sheer number of prominent figures named underscores the trial’s expansive reach and the intense spotlight on all involved.
