Judge Rules Blake Lively and Taylor Swift Messages Relevant in Justin Baldoni Legal Battle
A key development has emerged in the ongoing high-profile legal dispute surrounding the film “It Ends With Us.” A U.S. District Judge has ruled that private messages exchanged between actress Blake Lively and her friend, global superstar Taylor Swift, concerning the movie’s set environment are relevant and can be included in discovery for the case.
The ruling was issued by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in New York. The decision allows actor and director Justin Baldoni, whom Lively is suing, to obtain communications between the two prominent women.
Background of the Legal Conflict
The legal battle began in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and his studio, alleging sexual harassment on the film set and claiming he orchestrated a campaign to “destroy” her reputation. Baldoni vehemently denies the allegations and had previously filed a counter-suit for defamation, which was dismissed by a judge earlier this month.
This dispute involves competing narratives over workplace conduct and alleged retaliation versus claims of false accusations and smear campaigns. Multiple lawsuits have been filed and dismissed as the complex legal fight unfolds.
Why Swift’s Messages Were Sought
Baldoni’s legal team has sought access to Swift’s communications with Lively, believing they contain information relevant to Lively’s claims. According to court documents, Lively herself had indicated that Swift might possess knowledge pertinent to discussions or complaints about the working environment on the “It Ends With Us” set.
Baldoni’s team had previously attempted to directly subpoena Swift for messages in May, but those efforts were withdrawn after Swift’s representatives objected, labeling it an “unwarranted fishing expedition.” Swift’s team also stated she was not involved in any casting or creative decisions for the film.
Following the failed subpoena, Lively’s team sought to prevent Baldoni from accessing the messages through the standard discovery process, arguing they were irrelevant to the case.
The Judge’s Decision
Judge Liman disagreed with Lively’s argument. In his ruling, he stated that because Lively had indicated Swift had knowledge of complaints or discussions about the set environment, the requests for messages were “reasonably tailored” to uncover information that could either support or disprove Lively’s claims of harassment and retaliation.
The scope of the messages Baldoni can obtain is specifically limited to communications between Lively and Swift that discuss either the “It Ends With Us” movie itself or the ongoing legal battle. A protective order is reportedly in place to help prevent leaks of this specific correspondence to the press.
Accusations of PR Tactics
Lively’s spokesperson criticized the efforts to involve Taylor Swift, stating that Baldoni and his team have been trying to “drag Taylor Swift” into the saga since last summer, viewing it as a distraction from the serious allegations he faces. They described Baldoni’s actions as exploiting Swift’s popularity.
However, Judge Liman noted that Lively’s assertion that Baldoni’s motive was purely for public relations “does not justify denying the Wayfarer parties relevant discovery.”
Baldoni’s representatives have declined to comment on the judge’s specific decision regarding the messages. Swift’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The legal case is currently scheduled to go to trial in March 2026. The judge’s ruling on accessing the Lively-Swift messages marks a significant step in the discovery phase of the intense legal battle.
