Messages emerge in Lively legal battle
Pop star Taylor Swift referred to actor Justin Baldoni with an expletive in a private text message exchanged with actress Blake Lively, according to court documents unsealed Tuesday as part of an ongoing federal lawsuit.
The messages surfaced in litigation filed by Lively against Baldoni, her co-star and director in the 2024 film It Ends With Us, along with Wayfarer Studios and other defendants. The case has been unfolding for more than a year and centers on allegations of misconduct and retaliation during and after the film’s production.
Context of the unsealed messages
According to the filing submitted in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Swift wrote a message to Lively in early December 2024 that included a derogatory reference to Baldoni. Lively’s legal team confirmed the wording but disputed claims by the defense that the message was tied to advance knowledge of a forthcoming media report.
The defense has argued that the texts were exchanged while Swift and Lively were discussing an upcoming newspaper article that alleged Baldoni and a Wayfarer executive had engaged in a retaliatory smear campaign against Lively. Lively’s lawyers rejected that interpretation in Tuesday’s filing.
Swift’s limited involvement in the film
Swift licensed a song for It Ends With Us but was not otherwise involved in the production, according to her spokesperson. Representatives for the singer did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the release of the court documents.
Last year, Swift’s team pushed back against an effort to subpoena her as a potential witness, stating she had no direct role in the film beyond the music licensing.
Escalating legal claims and responses
Lively’s legal team said the newly unsealed exhibits include what they described as damaging statements about Baldoni from multiple individuals who worked with him. Attorneys for Baldoni have previously denied all allegations, calling them false and sensational.
Lively first filed a complaint in California in December 2024 alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. She followed with a federal lawsuit later that month and an amended complaint in February, accusing Baldoni and others of orchestrating a coordinated effort to harm her reputation.
Baldoni responded with a $400 million countersuit, which was dismissed by a federal judge last summer and formally closed in November after no amended filing was submitted.
Film and case continue to draw scrutiny
It Ends With Us stars Lively as Lily Bloom, a woman confronting domestic abuse and ultimately choosing to leave her husband, played by Baldoni. While the film explores themes of empowerment and personal agency, the off-screen legal conflict surrounding its production continues to attract public attention.
The case remains active, with Lively seeking compensatory and punitive damages. Further proceedings are expected as the court continues to review evidence and arguments from both sides.
