Taylor Swift Subpoenaed in Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni Lawsuit
Taylor Swift’s representatives have sharply criticized a subpoena issued against the pop star in the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
The dispute stems from their work on the 2024 film It Ends With Us. Swift’s team called the subpoena a publicity stunt. Here’s the latest on this high-profile Hollywood drama.
Subpoena Sparks Outrage
On May 9, 2025, Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, subpoenaed Taylor Swift to testify in the legal feud with Blake Lively. The subpoena aims to uncover what Swift knows about Lively’s claims of sexual harassment and a smear campaign by Baldoni during the film’s production.
Swift’s spokesperson fired back, calling the move “tabloid clickbait.” They stressed that Swift’s only involvement was licensing her song My Tears Ricochet for the movie’s soundtrack, a role shared by 19 other artists. “Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie,” the rep told PEOPLE.
The statement accused Baldoni’s team of using Swift’s fame to draw attention away from the case’s facts.
Roots of the Legal Battle
The conflict began in December 2024 when Lively, 37, filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. She accused Baldoni, 41, of sexual harassment on the It Ends With Us set, where he starred and directed. Lively also alleged Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her.
In response, Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit in January 2025 against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. He claimed Lively’s accusations were false and aimed to ruin his reputation.
Baldoni’s suit referenced a text from Lively calling Swift and Reynolds her “dragons,” suggesting they pressured him on creative decisions. The trial is set for March 2026.
Swift’s Alleged Role Questioned
Baldoni’s legal team argues Swift had more involvement than just licensing a song. They point to a claim by actress Isabela Ferrer, who played young Lily Bloom in the film. Ferrer told Extra that Swift helped with her casting, though she learned this after landing the role.
Baldoni also alleged a tense 2023 meeting at Lively’s New York penthouse to discuss script changes. He said Swift and Reynolds were present, creating an “ambush” vibe. In a text exchange afterward, Lively reportedly called herself “Khaleesi” from Game of Thrones and named Swift and Reynolds as her “dragons.” Swift’s team denies any creative input, insisting she was on her Eras Tour, not involved in the film’s production.
Lively’s Team Calls It a Circu
Blake Lively’s representatives have also condemned the subpoena. They accused Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios partner Steve Sarowitz of turning a serious case about sexual harassment into “entertainment for the tabloids.”
Lively’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, told PEOPLE that federal courts won’t tolerate using legal processes for publicity. Lively’s team found Baldoni’s suggestion to livestream her deposition from Madison Square Garden offensive and misogynistic.
They argue the focus should stay on Lively’s allegations, not celebrity involvement. Meanwhile, Lively promoted her hair care line on the same day the subpoena news broke, drawing criticism for ignoring the issue.
What’s Next for the Case?
The subpoena has heightened tensions in an already messy legal saga. Swift’s testimony, if it happens, won’t be televised due to jurisdiction rules. There’s also uncertainty about whether Ryan Reynolds will testify, as he’s named in Baldoni’s countersuit.
Posts on social media reflect divided sentiments, with some calling the subpoena a desperate move by Baldoni and others speculating on Swift’s potential testimony. The case continues to captivate Hollywood, with more A-listers like Hugh Jackman possibly facing subpoenas.
