In a significant development in the legal dispute surrounding the film It Ends With Us, a U.S. federal court has granted actor-director Justin Baldoni access to private messages exchanged between Blake Lively and Taylor Swift. These communications are considered potentially crucial to allegations raised by Lively concerning the working environment on the film’s set.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman issued the decision on June 18, ruling that the messages are admissible as evidence. The judge highlighted that Lively herself identified Swift, a prominent singer, as someone within her personal circle who might have relevant knowledge about complaints or conversations related to the film’s production conditions.
“The requests for messages with Swift regarding the film and this action are reasonably tailored to discover information that would prove or disprove Lively’s harassment and retaliation claims,” Judge Liman stated.
Previously, Blake Lively sought a protective order to prevent the release of any private communications with Swift, arguing that the pop star’s involvement was unrelated to the case. However, the court dismissed this request, referencing Lively’s own admission of Swift’s potential relevance.
The legal battle stems from Justin Baldoni’s claim that in 2023, he visited Lively’s New York residence to discuss modifications to a rooftop scene in It Ends With Us. Baldoni recounts being surprised to find Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Swift present, both of whom allegedly supported Lively’s stance on the scene and encouraged Baldoni to accept the proposed changes.
Meanwhile, Lively’s legal team offered to provide all requested documents except the messages with Swift, contingent on Baldoni’s team sharing complete video footage and unedited messages referenced in their updated complaint. Baldoni’s side rejected this proposal, prolonging the discovery dispute.
