Previously sealed text messages between Blake Lively and her longtime friend Taylor Swift were unsealed this week as a federal judge considers Justin Baldoni’s request to dismiss Lively’s lawsuit against him.
The newly released materials include private text exchanges between Lively and Swift, along with a transcript from actress Jenny Slate’s September deposition. The documents were unsealed during discovery in the ongoing legal dispute tied to the 2024 film It Ends With Us.
Lively sued Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliation and creating a hostile work environment while filming the movie, which Baldoni directed and co-starred in. She also claims he helped orchestrate a public relations campaign meant to damage her reputation after she raised concerns.
Baldoni has denied all allegations. His legal team argues Lively failed to prove the alleged conduct was based on her sex or gender, which is required for her harassment claims to move forward.
Earlier in the case, Baldoni filed defamation lawsuits against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and The New York Times. A judge dismissed those suits in June 2025, ruling that many of the statements cited were legally protected.
The unsealed texts drew attention after Baldoni’s lawyers attempted to subpoena Swift, arguing her communications with Lively could be relevant. That subpoena was later withdrawn, and Swift’s representatives said she had no role in the film beyond licensing one of her songs.
The dispute has played out heavily in public, with both sides accusing the other of trying to sway public opinion and potential jurors. Judge Lewis Liman has warned attorneys to limit media statements and said he may move the trial date forward if public litigation continues.
A decision on Baldoni’s motion to dismiss is expected in the coming weeks. The case is currently scheduled to go to trial in March 2026.
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