Newly unsealed court documents have exposed private text messages that trace the deterioration of the friendship between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively, centered on Lively’s contentious experience filming ‘It Ends With Us’ with director and co-star Justin Baldoni. The messages, made public this week, show Swift initially acting as Lively’s fierce defender, but over time, the singer grew distant as Lively’s obsession with her legal battle consumed their interactions.
The saga began in early 2023 when Lively, 38, enlisted Swift’s help to confront Baldoni over script revisions for the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel. In April 2023, Lively texted Swift, referring to Baldoni as a ‘doofus’ and asking for assistance during a meeting at her Tribeca home. Swift, 36, who is the godmother to Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ daughters, readily agreed, praising Lively’s work and even fabricating stories to support her friend during the encounter.
Swift’s role evolved into what Lively described as her ‘dragon,’ a reference to ‘Game of Thrones,’ highlighting the singer’s protective stance. In subsequent messages, Swift advised Lively on using her song ‘My Tears Ricochet’ in the trailer, suggesting it would give Lively more leverage over Baldoni. However, as production progressed, multiple sources indicated that Baldoni made Lively feel ‘uncomfortable’ on set, leading to tension that culminated in Lively avoiding him at the film’s August 2024 premiere.
By December 2024, the dynamic had shifted. Lively, sensing a change, texted Swift to check in, admitting she had been overly focused on her own issues. Swift responded candidly, expressing that she felt a ‘shift’ in their friendship and that Lively’s texts felt impersonal, like ‘a mass corporate email sent to 200 employees.’ Swift lamented missing her ‘funny, dark, normal-speaking friend,’ indicating a growing emotional distance.
The strain coincided with Lively’s escalating legal actions. On December 20, 2024, she filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and orchestrating a ‘smear campaign.’ Ten days later, she filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, his publicist, and his production company. Baldoni has denied all claims, and his lawyer cited Lively’s threats during production, such as not promoting the film if her demands weren’t met.
In the midst of this, Swift’s support waned. On December 24, 2024, she texted Lively about Baldoni, suggesting he anticipated legal trouble. However, the friendship has not recovered; the two have not been seen together publicly since August 2024, and Page Six reported they haven’t been in contact since shortly after the lawsuit was filed. Reps for both celebrities did not immediately comment on the newly released messages.
The ongoing lawsuit and civil rights complaint mean that Swift could potentially be called to testify, adding another layer of complexity. The release of these texts not only sheds light on the personal fallout but also highlights the pressures of Hollywood friendships entangled in legal disputes. As the case proceeds, the public glimpse into their private communications underscores how professional conflicts can unravel even the closest bonds.
