Why Taylor Swift Is Mentioned Twice in Blake Lively's Complaint Against Justin Baldoni

Mar. 15, 2025

Blake Lively, Taylor Swift and Justin Baldoni.Photo:Gotham/GC Images; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; John Nacion/Variety via Getty

Gotham/GC Images; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; John Nacion/Variety via Getty

Taylor SwiftandBlake Livelyhave been close friends for nearly a decade — and now the singer has been name-checkedin the actress’ complaintagainst herIt Ends with UscostarJustin Baldoni.

The pop superstar is mentioned in the document amid a discussion of ways to possibly target Lively in the press in a negative manner.

“The Scenario Planning document states that TAG could ‘also explore planting stories about the weaponization of feminism and how people in [Lively’s] circle like Taylor Swift, have been accused of utilizing these tactics to ‘bully’ into getting what they want,’" the complaint says.

Taylor Swift and Blake Lively hug at the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas.Rob Carr/Getty

Rob Carr/Getty

In the alleged message, Nathan weighs the power of Lively’s fanbase while discussing a potential social media plan that would help suppress negative content about Baldoni and amplify negative content about Lively, according to the complaint. She notes that because Lively and Swift are close friends, the actress has thesupport of the pop star’s fans.

“We have seen the most innocuous issues turn giant due to socials or the hugest crisis have no effects on social whatsoever- you just cannot tell at this stage,” Nathan allegedly wrote in a message printed in the complaint. “But, [Lively] does have some of the [Swift] fanbase so we will be taking it extremely seriously.”

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni at the ‘It Ends with Us’ premiere in New York.Gotham/WireImage (2)

Gotham/WireImage (2)

It Ends with Us, a big-screen adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s beloved novel, was released in August. Rumors of a rift among the cast began on the film’s official press tour, as Baldoni did most of his press solo, and fans noticed that many lead actors in the film did not follow him on Instagram.

Lively’s complaint, which is a precursor to filing a discrimination lawsuit in California, accuses Baldoni of fostering a “hostile work environment that had nearly derailed production” of the film. The actress also alleged that his behavior had an “extreme” “emotional impact” on her, which also affected Reynolds and their four children.

Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer, called Lively’s allegations “false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt.” He also said her complaint was lodged to “fix her negative reputation.”

Freedman also alleged that Lively caused problems on set of the film, which is currently streaming, “threatening to not showing up to set, threatening to not promote the film, ultimately leading to its demise during release.”

Lively, meanwhile, said in a statement toThe New York Times,“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted."

source: people.com