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Amid the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the movie *It Ends With Us*, Taylor Swift is no longer at risk of being subpoenaed in the case involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Baldoni’s legal team has rescinded a subpoena previously issued to the pop star, DailyMail.com can confirm.
Subpoena Withdrawn in Lively-Baldoni Legal Battle
Earlier in June, Swift, 35, whose song “My Tears Ricochet” is featured in *It Ends With Us*, received a subpoena from Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, intending to call her as a witness. This move triggered a strong reaction from Swift’s representatives.
Allegations of Coercion and Private Texts
Court documents also indicate that Lively allegedly attempted to pressure Swift into publicly supporting her by threatening to release years of private text message exchanges.
Reason for the Withdrawal
Baldoni has now retracted the subpoena seeking information from Swift concerning her knowledge of Lively’s conflict with the actor. An insider revealed the motivation for this significant change in strategy:
- ‘Justin Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, withdrew the subpoena request because they obtained the information they sought.’
- ‘Taylor’s statement confirms she was not involved, contradicting statements made by Lively.’
- ‘This lack of involvement suggests Blake misrepresented key details related to the case.’
- ‘The court has been provided with documented evidence supporting the claim that Blake’s attorneys threatened to leak Taylor’s private messages.’
- ‘Taylor was viewed as a crucial element, and the obtained information has been extremely beneficial; they acquired what they were expecting and more.’
Responses from Representatives
A representative for Lively issued a statement to DailyMail.com, stating:
‘We are pleased that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties have withdrawn their harassing subpoenas to Taylor Swift and her law firm. We supported the efforts of Taylor’s team to quash these inappropriate subpoenas directed to her counsel and we will continue to stand up for any third party who is unjustly harassed or threatened in the process.’
Swift’s Limited Involvement
Swift’s representative previously emphasized her limited involvement when the original subpoena was issued, telling DailyMail.com:
‘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, she did not even see It Ends With Us until weeks after its public release, and was traveling around the globe during 2023 and 2024 headlining the biggest tour in history.’
Licensing of “My Tears Ricochet”
The sole connection Swift had to the film was the licensing of her song, “My Tears Ricochet”, from her 2020 album *Folklore*. Her rep added that the subpoena appeared intended to capitalize on Taylor Swift’s fame for publicity, rather than focusing on the facts of the case.
Further Statements
Lively’s representative shared information with People Magazine:
‘Mr. Baldoni, Mr. Sarowitz, and team continue to turn a case of sexual 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. This is a very serious legal matter, not Barnum & Bailey’s Circus.’
The representative also argued that the defendants are publicly intimidating, bullying, shaming and attacking women’s rights and reputations.
Background of the Legal Feud
Reports earlier this year indicated Swift was distancing herself from her friendship with Lively after allegedly feeling manipulated as an “intimidation tactic” in a legal battle she wished to avoid.
Baldoni’s Claims
Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit, filed in January, alleged that Swift’s presence at a meeting with Reynolds regarding edits to a rooftop scene in *It Ends with Us* made him feel compelled to adhere to Lively’s directorial preferences. Baldoni also claimed Lively threatened to withhold approval of the film trailer.
Text Exchange Allegations
Another source described Swift as backing away from the conflict, concerned about her public image after being drawn into the controversy.
Trailer Approval
He claimed in the suit that Lively threatened to ‘change her mind’ about reaching out to Swift to secure the use of her hit 2020 track My Tears Ricochet.
An alleged text exchange with a Sony executive read: ‘Blake is calling Taylor to approve the song. She of course just reached out saying she is asking for time with [REDACTED] her editor. We know it was conditional on signing contract – but asking if you will reconsider – so [REDACTED] can release this trailer and Blake does not change her me re calling Taylor Swift.’
Baldoni noted that they agreed to her demands in order to move forward as planned. The exchange allegedly took place in May 2024.
Past Interactions
Lively and Swift were last seen together in Rhode Island in August 2024. Before that, they pictured in October on a double date with Reynolds and Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, in Manhattan.
Lively’s Allegations Against Baldoni
Two months prior to the Rhode Island meeting, Lively filed a complaint accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a toxic environment during the production of *It Ends with Us*.
Defamation Counter-Suit
Simultaneously, the New York Times published a report based on Lively’s legal claims accusing Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Baldoni responded with a $400 million counter-suit against Lively and Reynolds, alleging they conspired to damage his reputation and defaming the Times.
Box Office Success
*It Ends with Us* achieved box-office success, earning $351 million worldwide on a $25 million budget.