Ryan Reynolds confronts Justin Baldoni in an incident reportedly witnessed by Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman, according to newly released court filings related to conflict on the set of “It Ends With Us” in New York City. The confrontation centers on claims about Baldoni’s alleged comments regarding Blake Lively’s body, shedding light on deep tensions within the film’s cast and crew.
Details of the Penthouse Confrontation
On April 25, 2023, court documents state that Reynolds, known for his role as Deadpool, confronted director Justin Baldoni inside Reynolds’ New York City penthouse. The event reportedly followed allegations that Baldoni had asked about Blake Lively’s weight, which sparked Reynolds to object strongly to perceived “fat shaming” toward his wife.
According to the court exhibit from the ongoing legal battle between Baldoni and Lively, Reynolds’s response to Baldoni’s comments led the director to feel significant remorse. During the confrontation, it is reported that Baldoni became highly emotional and apologized.
completely embarrassed and apologized and even shared some tears,
Jamey Heath, as stated in filed court documents.
Baldoni’s legal team also alleged in filings that:
[The] confrontation by Reynolds and Lively was so aggressive that Baldoni felt he had no choice but to offer repeated (and completely unwarranted) apologies,
Baldoni’s lawyers claimed.
Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman Present During Incident
The exhibit indicates that Taylor Swift, celebrated singer-songwriter, and Hugh Jackman, acclaimed actor, were both present during the confrontation at the apartment. Both have long-standing friendships with the couple, adding complexity to the interpersonal dynamics surrounding the issue.
also present in the [apartment] at the time.
Court Exhibit Attribution
The arrival of Swift at the penthouse, according to a source cited earlier in the year, was unplanned, and she was unaware a meeting with Baldoni was taking place. An insider told TMZ that the meeting’s timing coincided with Swift’s visit.
Justin was about to leave after the 2-hour meeting as Taylor walked in, and she was introduced to him for the first and only time,
Source close to the parties, via TMZ.
Swift reportedly shared her enthusiasm for “It Ends With Us” with Baldoni at that initial introduction.
because he was her friend’s boss,
Anonymous source, via TMZ.
Legal Dispute Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and lost wages. Baldoni has denied the claims and filed a countersuit for defamation, though his countersuit was dismissed at a later stage.
In her suit, Lively accused Baldoni of making disparaging remarks about her body and using unofficial channels to criticize her appearance during film production.
back-channel ways of criticizing her body and weight
Allegation from Blake Lively’s attorneys
Lively’s legal team further cited an incident where Baldoni, without Lively’s permission, contacted her fitness trainer and implied that desired physical changes should occur on a short timeline.
Lively was humiliated to learn that Mr. Baldoni secretly called her fitness trainer without her knowledge or permission, and implied that he wanted her to lose weight in two weeks,
Attorneys for Blake Lively
Baldoni has countered through his attorneys that reaching out to the trainer was connected to concerns about his own back injury and required lifts in the film, rather than any intent to comment on Lively’s physique.
Taylor Swift’s Role and Subpoena
Throughout the legal proceedings, Swift has sought to distance herself from the legal matter. Text messages released by Baldoni’s legal team revealed discussions referencing Swift and Reynolds during film production, particularly regarding a well-known rooftop scene.
Was working on rooftop scene today, I really love what you did. It really does hep [sic] a lot,
Justin Baldoni, Director
Makes it so much more fun and interesting. (And I would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor). You really are a talent across the board. Really excited nd [sic] grateful to do this together.
Justin Baldoni, Director
When subpoenaed by Baldoni’s attorneys in May 2025, Swift’s spokesperson issued a detailed rebuttal, clarifying her involvement with the production.
never set foot on the set of
Taylor Swift’s spokesperson, regarding It Ends With Us
She did not score the film, she never saw an edit or made any notes on the film,
Taylor Swift’s spokesperson
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.
Taylor Swift’s spokesperson
Given that her involvement was licensing a song for the film, which 19 other artists also did, this document subpoena is designed to use Taylor Swift’s name to draw public interest by creating tabloid clickbait instead of focusing on the facts of the case.
Taylor Swift’s spokesperson
Status of the Legal Case and Upcoming Trial
During discovery for Lively’s civil suit, Judge Lewis J. Liman rejected a request from Baldoni’s legal team to depose Swift, citing restrictions on the allowable timeline for testimony. Nevertheless, both Swift and Jackman remain on a list submitted by Lively’s legal team for possible testimony in the forthcoming trial, alongside other entertainment figures like Emily Blunt, Scooter Braun, and Gigi Hadid, all of whom are thought to possess potentially relevant information on the “It Ends With Us” dispute.
The trial between Lively and Baldoni is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026, unless the parties agree to settle before that date. Lively’s attorney has confirmed her intent to testify during the proceedings.
What Comes Next for Those Involved
The confrontation between Ryan Reynolds and Justin Baldoni, allegedly in the presence of Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman, reflects broader, unresolved tensions behind the scenes of “It Ends With Us,” now the subject of a heated legal dispute involving public figures and high-stakes accusations. With the trial set for 2026 and the possibility of notable witness testimony, the coming years are expected to reveal more details about the events and relationships that have brought these personalities into the public and legal spotlight. The case demonstrates how personal and professional boundaries can collide in high-profile productions, keeping the outcome—and the reputations of all parties—unsettled for now.
