Federal Judge Ends Taylor Swift's Involvement, Dismisses Justin Baldoni's Claims in Blake Lively Lawsuit
A federal judge denied Justin Baldoni's request to depose Taylor Swift, ending her legal drama. Baldoni's countersuit against Blake Lively was dismissed, but Lively's original case proceeds.
Overview
- Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and his studio, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, forming the core of the ongoing legal dispute.
- Justin Baldoni countersued Blake Lively and her husband for defamation and extortion, seeking $400 million in damages, initially involving Taylor Swift in the legal feud.
- A federal judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's countersuit claims against Blake Lively, ruling he failed to prove his case, significantly altering the legal landscape.
- A federal judge denied Justin Baldoni's request to depose Taylor Swift, effectively ending the singer's legal drama and confirming her non-material role in the lawsuit.
- The main trial between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, focusing on Lively's original claims, is scheduled to commence on March 9, 2026, in federal court in New York.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by portraying Justin Baldoni's legal efforts as a "seemingly never-ending docket drama" and a "relentless media strategy." They use evaluative language like "put the boot to" his request, emphasizing his lack of "appropriate diligence." The narrative consistently highlights Blake Lively's "win" and Baldoni's "rudimentary approach," creating a clear victor and loser.
"However, in a very rudimentary approach, the day belongs to Lively, who got what she wanted on all levels, at least this time."
Deadline"Taylor Swift can answer questions in October — if she is forced — from attorneys involved in the sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit actor Blake Lively brought against Justin Baldoni stemming from their roles in the movie “It Ends With Us,” but she doesn’t have much to offer, her lawyer said Friday."
Associated Press"Swift and her own attorney have weighed in."
Deadline"The involvement of Swift — who licensed her song "My Tears Ricochet" for the film — has been a flashpoint for months."
USA TODAYArticles (10)
Center (4)
FAQ
Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni alleging sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of the film "It Ends With Us."
Justin Baldoni attempted to subpoena Taylor Swift, alleging she was coerced by Blake Lively in the dispute and was involved in the controversy, but the court denied the request, and Swift's involvement was dismissed as non-material.
A federal judge dismissed Justin Baldoni's countersuit claims against Blake Lively, ruling he failed to substantiate his defamation and extortion allegations.
The primary trial focusing on Blake Lively's original claims against Justin Baldoni is scheduled for March 9, 2026, in federal court in New York.
The court denied the deposition request partly because it would have extended beyond the discovery cut-off date and was considered a tactic to delay proceedings without substantive cause.
History
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