Blake Lively filed a motion in New York federal court seeking a protective order to prevent Justin Baldoni from accessing her private communications with Taylor Swift, escalating their legal battle over *It Ends With Us*. Lively’s team accuses Baldoni of exploiting Swift’s fame for publicity, calling the demands “unnecessary” and part of a media strategy, per People. The dispute, set for trial in March 2026, stems from Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Baldoni.
Lively’s attorneys, led by Esra Hudson, submitted the motion to Judge Lewis J. Liman, arguing Baldoni’s team is unjustly targeting Swift’s private texts despite withdrawing a subpoena on May 22, 2025, after claiming they “got all they needed,” per Deadline. The filing alleges Baldoni’s crisis PR firm, led by Melissa Nathan, flagged Swift’s fanbase in an August 2024 “scenario planning” memo to leverage her influence, per Forbes. Lively’s spokesperson called this a “public unravelling of epic proportions.”
Blake Lively files motion to keep Taylor Swift texts out of Justin Baldoni legal battle https://t.co/CBNUjDHYqz
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) June 15, 2025Background of the Legal Feud
The conflict began when Lively filed a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign during the It Ends With Us promotion, per The New York Times. Baldoni countersued Lively and Ryan Reynolds for $400 million in January 2025, alleging defamation and extortion, claiming Swift was present at a 2023 script meeting where Lively exerted control, per Variety. Judge Liman dismissed Baldoni’s suit on June 9, 2025, but Lively’s case proceeds.
Taylor Swift 'Will Forever Be Furious' At Blake Lively For Justin Baldoni Legal Drama! The Friendship Is SO OVER! https://t.co/fguicQ9q79 🔗
— Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) June 14, 2025Baldoni’s team subpoenaed Swift in May 2025, seeking texts to prove Lively pressured her for public support, an allegation Lively’s lawyer, Michael Gottlieb, called “categorically false,” per USA Today. According to NBC News, Swift’s spokesperson dismissed her involvement, noting she only licensed “My Tears Ricochet” for the film and never visited the set. The subpoena’s withdrawal followed objections from Swift’s team, who labelled it a “tabloid clickbait” tactic.
Read: Blake Lively Subpoenas Scooter Braun in Justin Baldoni Lawsuit Drama
Social media posts reflect ongoing interest in the feud, with some users speculating about Swift’s neutrality, though no evidence suggests a rift with Lively, per Slate. Lively’s team views the protective order as a stand against Baldoni’s “media stunts,” while Baldoni’s representatives have not commented on the latest filing. The case underscores workplace harassment issues and celebrity influence, drawing significant attention.
Lively’s push to shield Swift highlights the intersection of celebrity friendships and legal battles, with implications for privacy and media manipulation. As the trial looms, the case remains a focal point for discussing harassment in Hollywood.
