May 15, 2025 : Blake Lively‘s legal representatives have strongly refuted allegations suggesting that the actress attempted to pressure Taylor Swift’s legal team into issuing a public statement of support amid her ongoing legal dispute with It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.
The claim surfaced in a letter submitted to the judge by Bryan Freedman, attorney for Baldoni, who argued that a subpoena to Venable LLP—the law firm representing Swift—was justified. Freedman cited an unnamed source claiming that Lively’s lawyers made “extortionate threats,” allegedly warning Swift’s team that private messages could be leaked if they declined to support Lively publicly.
“There is currently no evidence to support these allegations,” People reported, though Freedman stated the subpoena aims to obtain any communications relevant to their case.
Responding firmly, Mike Gottlieb, attorney for Lively, issued a statement on May 14 calling the claims “categorically false.”
“We unequivocally deny all of these so-called allegations, which are cowardly sourced to supposed anonymous sources and completely untethered from reality,” Gottlieb said. “This is what we have come to expect from the Wayfarer parties’ lawyers—reckless accusations without evidence, and with no concern for the real harm they cause.”
He further added that Lively’s team intends to file court motions seeking accountability for what they described as legal misconduct.
The escalating legal feud began in December 2024, when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation on the set of It Ends With Us. Baldoni has denied all accusations and responded with a $400 million countersuit, alleging defamation and extortion by Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds.
In the latest twist, Taylor Swift’s involvement was dragged into the fray via a subpoena. Swift’s representative swiftly responded, distancing the singer from the case and the film.
“Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie, had no role in casting or creative decisions, and didn’t view the film until weeks after its release,” her spokesperson stated. “Her only involvement was licensing the song ‘My Tears Ricochet,’ just like 19 other artists. This subpoena is a blatant attempt to misuse her name for tabloid attention.”
Lively’s spokesperson echoed the sentiment, accusing Baldoni’s legal team of turning a serious legal matter into a media circus.
“This is a very serious legal matter, not Barnum & Bailey’s Circus,” the statement read. “The defendants continue to publicly intimidate, bully, shame, and attack women’s rights and reputations.”
The legal battle continues to unfold, with public interest intensifying as Hollywood heavyweights and high-profile names are pulled into the spotlight.