Whew. When Hollywood’s legal drama crosses into A-list friendships, things get “messy”—and right now, Blake Lively is at the center of a firestorm that’s got serious ripple effects. Not only is she entrenched in a brutal court battle with “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni, but now her friendship with “Taylor Swift”—yes, “that” Taylor—is caught in the crossfire.
Let’s rewind: Back in January, Baldoni filed a blistering counter-lawsuit against Lively for a jaw-dropping “$400 million”, alleging extortion and defamation after she accused him of sexual harassment and retaliation. That’s heavyweight legal combat, and the fallout hasn’t stopped with the courtroom.
On “May 8”, Baldoni’s legal team “subpoenaed Swift”, bringing the music icon directly into the drama. And now, PEOPLE reports, Swift and Lively’s decade-long bond has hit a serious rough patch. A source close to Swift says ““Their friendship has halted… Taylor wants no part in this drama.”” Ouch.
Another insider tried to soften the blow, saying they’re merely “taking space”—but when subpoenas start flying and godmothers get dragged into the narrative? Yeah, that’s not your average friendship timeout.
Part of the fallout seems to trace back to a reported text message in which Lively referred to Swift as one of her “dragons”—an apparent nod to her powerful, public allies. Baldoni’s lawyer alleged that Lively even “pressured Swift” to make a public show of support after Lively skipped the 2025 Super Bowl. Swift’s camp fired back hard, saying she hadn’t even seen the movie until weeks after its release.
A judge later struck down a letter and affidavit containing these accusations, calling them “improper.” But the damage appears done. Swift, notably, has stayed silent through Lively’s legal ordeal—an absence that speaks volumes.
Lively’s social circle is feeling the tremors too. Longtime friend “Gigi Hadid” has reportedly “distanced herself” from Lively, siding more closely with Swift. According to sources, Hadid doesn’t want to get involved, but ““she is closer to Taylor.””
As for “Ryan Reynolds”, who’s not only Lively’s husband but reportedly named in Baldoni’s countersuit? He’s kept his head down publicly, even while making headlines of his own for poking fun at Meghan Markle on Conan O’Brien’s podcast. That’s a whole other situation—but it underscores how much the Reynolds-Lively-verse is in the spotlight right now.
To be clear, Blake Lively isn’t completely alone in this. Her “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” co-stars have shown vocal support, as have Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. She’s still stepping out with friends like Salma Hayek and speaking candidly about having “the highest highs and lowest lows” of her life.
Trump declares Taylor Swift: ‘No longer HOT” pic.twitter.com/WI5I7dzAKW
— Kekius Maximus II (@alx) May 16, 2025
But the Swift-shaped silence? It’s noticeable. And in the world of fame, friendship, and front-page drama, that silence might be louder than any statement.
The “trial is set for March 2026”, and both Lively and Baldoni are expected to testify. Until then, it looks like the world’s watching, Swift’s staying silent, and the Lively-Swift friendship is… on indefinite pause.
