Taylor Swift has been pulled into the ongoing legal feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, stars of the 2024 film It Ends With Us. The pop star was subpoenaed by Baldoni’s legal team on May 9, 2025, as part of a $400 million lawsuit. Swift’s representatives quickly denied any significant involvement in the film. The dispute centers on allegations of sexual harassment and a smear campaign. Both sides are preparing for a trial set for March 2026.
Lively, 37, filed a complaint in December 2024 with the California Civil Rights Department. She accused Baldoni, 41, of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us, which he also directed. Lively claimed Baldoni’s behavior created a hostile work environment. She further alleged that Baldoni and his team launched a retaliatory smear campaign against her.
Baldoni denied the accusations and filed a countersuit in January 2025. He claimed Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, engaged in defamation and extortion. Baldoni’s lawsuit included text messages where Lively allegedly referred to Swift as one of her “dragons,” a Game of Thrones metaphor. He suggested Swift pressured him to accept script changes during a 2023 meeting at Lively’s New York home.
Swift’s team issued a statement denying any role beyond licensing her song, My Tears Ricochet, for the film.
“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,” a spokesperson said. “She did not even see It Ends With Us until weeks after its public release.”
The spokesperson emphasized Swift’s global Eras Tour kept her busy during 2023 and 2024. They called the subpoena a tactic to generate “tabloid clickbait” rather than focus on the case’s facts. Swift’s only connection was allowing her song’s use, alongside 19 other artists.
Lively’s team also criticized Baldoni’s legal strategy.
“Mr. Baldoni and his team continue to turn a case of sexual harassment and retaliation into entertainment for the tabloids,” a spokesperson stated. “This is not Barnum & Bailey’s Circus.”
They accused Baldoni of trying to intimidate women speaking out.
The legal battle began when Lively reported Baldoni’s alleged misconduct. She claimed he made inappropriate comments and inquiries, including about her weight, causing distress. Lively’s lawsuit named Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, and several associates. She said their actions forced her to withdraw from hosting Saturday Night Live’s 50th season premiere.
Baldoni’s countersuit painted Lively as attempting to seize creative control. He alleged she used her influence, including Swift’s presence, to push script rewrites. Text messages showed Baldoni praising Lively’s work but noting Swift and Reynolds’ involvement.
“I really love what you did. It really does help a lot,” Baldoni wrote. “(And I would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor).”
Public reactions have been mixed, with some supporting Lively. Colleen Hoover, author of It Ends With Us, backed Lively on Instagram.
“@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met,” she wrote. “Thank you for being exactly the human that you are.”
Jenny Slate, a co-star, also voiced support, calling Lively a “leader” and friend.
Others questioned Lively’s actions. Some fans criticized her promotional tone for the film, which tackles domestic abuse. They felt her lighthearted approach, like urging fans to “wear your florals,” undermined the story’s gravity. Baldoni, however, was praised by some for his serious handling of the topic.
Baldoni’s legal team, led by Bryan Freedman, has been vocal. They suggested depositions could be public events, even proposing ticket sales at Madison Square Garden. Lively’s team condemned this as trivializing a serious issue. The trial, overseen by Judge Lewis J. Liman, will combine both lawsuits.
Speculation about other celebrities, like Hugh Jackman, being subpoenaed has surfaced. Sources claim Jackman and Swift, friends of Lively and Reynolds, have no relevant knowledge.
“Claims they will be subpoenaed are smoke and mirrors,” an insider said.
The case has drawn comparisons to high-profile disputes like Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.
Lively’s amended complaint in February 2025 alleged other women also felt uncomfortable on set. Baldoni’s team called her claims “false” and accused her of bullying. They released documents to counter her narrative. The New York Times, sued by Baldoni for $250 million, stands by its reporting on Lively’s allegations.
The feud has sparked debate online. Some X posts support Swift’s stance, calling Baldoni’s subpoena a publicity stunt.
“This proves Baldoni has always lied,” one user wrote. “Another embarrassing scenario for Baldoni.”
Others question Lively’s credibility, citing her promotional missteps.
Also Read: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively Legal Feud Escalates as Publicist Denies Leaking Private Texts
As the trial approaches, both sides remain firm. Lively’s lawyer, Michael Gottlieb, confirmed she will testify. Baldoni’s team insists on accountability. Swift’s involvement, though minimal, has amplified the case’s visibility. The outcome will hinge on evidence presented in court.
