“This is a very serious legal matter, not…” - Blake Lively representative slams Justin Baldoni’s legal team for subpoenaing Taylor Swift

Actress Blake Lively’s team is responding to the subpoena sent by her former co-star Justin Baldoni’s legal team to pop star Taylor Swift. The response comes in the wake of yet another chapter in the ongoing legal conflict between the It Ends With Us co-stars.

According to People Magazine, Lively’s representative called out Baldoni and his co-defendant and said of their legal team subpoenaing Swift:

"This is a very serious legal matter, not Barnum & Bailey’s Circus."

Accusing Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios partner Steve Sarowitz, People Magazine reported that Lively’s representative also said:

"Mr. Baldoni, Mr. Sarowitz, and team continue to turn a case of s*xual harassment and retaliation into entertainment for the tabloids, going as far as suggesting that they sell tickets to a concert venue - Madison Square Garden - to witness Ms. Lively’s deposition, to subpoenaing Taylor Swift, a woman who has given a voice to millions all over the world."

Lively’s representative referred to the comments Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, made on May 8 during a conversation with People Magazine. Freedman suggested that since Lively seemed to be testifying in the trial scheduled for next year, the deposition could be held in Madison Square Garden, and the proceeds from ticket sales could be donated. Madison Square Garden is a popular arena in New York City that doubles up as a sports venue and an entertainment location.

Why is Taylor Swift subpoenaed in the conflict between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively?

Blake Lively and Taylor Swift have been inseparable friends since around 2016, with Swift being the godmother to Lively’s daughters, according to The Cut.

Justin Baldoni seemingly referred to the friendship between Lively and Swift in his $400 million countersuit against Lively in January, Deadline reported.

Baldoni’s suit followed Lively’s federal lawsuit against the actor and director filed in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of s*xual misconduct during the filming of It Ends With Us, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Lively also alleged that she was a victim of retaliation and a smear campaign launched by Baldoni and his team.

In his lawsuit against Blake Lively, Baldoni alluded to Taylor Swift’s involvement in Lively’s campaign to take over the making of It Ends With Us, as per Billboard. The outlet reports that Baldoni’s lawsuit alleged interference by Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, and an unnamed celebrity friend in the filmmaking process. Billboard reported that the lawsuit filing mentioned certain changes Lively wanted to introduce in the film’s script and states:

"Baldoni felt obliged to text Lively to say that he had liked her pages and hadn’t needed Reynolds and her megacelebrity friend to pressure him. The message could not have been clearer. Baldoni was not just dealing with Lively. He was also facing … two of the most influential and wealthy celebrities in the world, who were not afraid to make things very difficult for him."

Billboard also noted that the filing included screenshots of messages sent by Justin Baldoni to Blake Lively, which read:

"Makes it so much more fun and interesting. (And I would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor)."

At the time, Swift’s involvement was largely speculated on by the media and fans.

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However, on May 9, Swift was subpoenaed by Baldoni’s legal team, according to Deadline. As per the news outlet, Swift’s team responded to the subpoena with a statement that denied any involvement with the making of It Ends With Us, apart from the licensing of her song, My Tears Ricochet for use in the film.

According to Deadline, Swift’s representative also accused the subpoena of using her celebrity status to distract from the case's merits.

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