Taylor Swift Just Got Subpoenaed in the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni Battle, and There’s Bad Blood All Around

If you thought the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni saga had already reached peak mess, prepare yourself—Taylor Swift has officially been dragged into the drama via a subpoena. The headlines are hitting harder than a midnight release. 

A refresher: Blake vs. Justin, round one

The once-promising collaboration between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni on It Ends With Us took a nosedive in late 2024. Blake filed a lawsuit against Justin—her co-star and the film’s director—alleging sexual harassment and a coordinated smear campaign. In response, Justin filed a countersuit in January 2025, accusing Blake of extortion and defamation. That case, Lively v. Wayfarer Studios, is now set for trial in March 2026.

Since then, there has been a volley of legal maneuvers, media statements, and leaked texts—some of which included familiar names, like Taylor Swift.

How Taylor Swift got subpoenaed

According to Buzzfeed, Taylor Swift has been officially subpoenaed to testify as a witness in the case between Lively and Baldoni. Her name came up in several text exchanges used as part of Baldoni’s $400 million defamation countersuit, including one where he wrote, “I really love what you did. It really does help a lot. Makes it so much more fun and interesting. (And I would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor)… You really are a talent across the board. Really excited and grateful to do this together.”

Later, Blake appears to reference Taylor more directly, sending a text that says, “My dragons also protect those I fight for. So really, we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. You will too, I can promise you.”

That text—comparing herself to a character from Game of Thrones—was allegedly sent when Blake tried asserting power behind the scenes. The “dragons,” in her metaphor, were believed to be Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds. It’s worth noting that this attempt to align Swift with her cause reportedly did not go over well with the singer, who prefers not to be dragged into other people’s drama.

Taylor Swift responds through her team

On May 9, Taylor’s spokesperson issued a statement to People, calling the subpoena “tabloid clickbait” and denying any substantial involvement in the film.

“Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie,” the spokesperson said. “She was not involved in any casting or creative decisions. She did not even see It Ends With Us until weeks after its public release, and was traveling around the globe during 2023 and 2024 headlining the biggest tour in history.”

The statement emphasized that Taylor’s only connection to the film was licensing her song “My Tears Ricochet”—a move by 19 other artists. “This document subpoena is designed to use Taylor Swift’s name to draw public interest,” the rep added, accusing Baldoni’s legal team of weaponizing Swift’s name for headlines.

Blake’s team strikes back—but the tone is telling

One day later, Blake Lively’s spokesperson fired off a response of their own, accusing Baldoni’s team of exploiting the legal case for entertainment value.

“Mr. Baldoni, Mr. Sarowitz, and team continue to turn a case of sexual harassment and retaliation into entertainment for the tabloids, going as far as suggesting that they sell tickets to a concert venue—Madison Square Garden—to witness Ms. Lively’s deposition,” the spokesperson said.

The statement goes on to say that subpoenaing Swift is part of a campaign to “intimidate, bully, shame, and attack women’s rights and reputations.”

But if Taylor’s name was invoked as a power move against Justin in private texts, why is it suddenly off-limits to ask her what was said, and when?

What happens next?

The trial is still nearly a year away, but this subpoena could change the dynamic of everything. If Taylor is required to testify—whether in deposition or court—she could clarify just how much (or how little) she knew. That testimony could be critical in untangling the truth behind all these claims.

For now, though, Justin Baldoni’s team is gaining ground. In the court of public opinion, Blake Lively’s strategy of invoking celebrity power is starting to backfire. And whether Taylor Swift wants to be part of this or not, she already is.

Let’s hope no one tries to play “Bad Blood” during the trial.