Justin Baldoni’s legal team has withdrawn a subpoena targeting Taylor Swiftin the ongoing lawsuit between Baldoni and Blake Lively. The move comes after Swift’s representatives and Lively’s team criticized the request as an unnecessary publicity stunt.
The subpoena sought documents and messages between Swift and Lively, which Baldoni’s lawyers claimed could prove Lively pressured Swift for public support. However, Swift’s team denied any involvement in the legal dispute, stating she only licensed a song for the movie It Ends With Us.
Blake Lively’s spokesperson welcomed the withdrawal, calling the subpoena “harassing” and accusing Baldoni’s team of exploiting Swift’s fame. The legal battle began in December 2024 when Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment and retaliation during the film’s production. Baldoni denied the claims and countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist for defamation and extortion.
The judge overseeing the case previously struck down Baldoni’s claim that Lively tried to “extort” Swift, calling it irrelevant. A trial is set for March 2026.
Why Was Taylor Swift Subpoenaed?
Baldoni’s legal team argued that private texts between Swift and Lively could show Lively sought Swift’s public backing in the lawsuit. They alleged Lively threatened to release their messages if Swift refused.
Lively’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, denied the claim, calling it “categorically false.” The judge agreed, removing the allegation from court records and warning Baldoni’s lawyers against further misuse of the legal process.
Swift’s spokesperson clarified she had no significant ties to It Ends With Us beyond licensing her song My Tears Ricochet for the trailer.
“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.”
Blake Lively’s Response
Lively’s team accused Baldoni of trying to shift focus from the harassment allegations by dragging Swift into the case.
“The Baldoni and Wayfarer team have tried to put Taylor Swift, a woman who has been an inspiration for tens of millions across the globe, at the center of this case since day one.”
They also criticized the legal move as a distraction from the core issues—sexual harassment and retaliation claims against Baldoni.
Justin Baldoni’s Countersuit
Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, alleging defamation and extortion. His legal team claimed Lively used her high-profile connections, including Swift and Reynolds, to control the film’s production.
One court filing included an alleged text where Lively referred to Swift and Reynolds as her “dragons,” implying they supported her in disputes. Lively’s lawyers dismissed this as misleading.
Impact on Swift and Lively’s Friendship
Reports suggest the legal drama has strained Swift and Lively’s long-standing friendship. A source revealed they are no longer in regular contact.
“Taylor and Blake have talked, but it’s strained. Their friendship is not what it used to be.”
Neither Swift nor Lively has publicly commented on their relationship status.
The case continues toward a March 2026 trial. Baldoni’s team has faced criticism for aggressive legal tactics, including a now-dropped subpoena to Marvel over Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine character, “Nicepool,” which they called a mockery of Baldoni.
Lively’s lawyers recently filed for sanctions against Baldoni’s legal team, accusing them of making “frivolous claims” to manipulate public opinion.
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