Justin Baldoni Pushes Back on Redactions, Pulls Taylor Swift Into Legal Fight With Blake Lively

Justin Baldoni is escalating his legal battle with Blake Lively — and in the process, dragging some of Hollywood’s biggest names further into the spotlight.

The actor and director has formally objected to Lively’s request to keep the identities of high-profile celebrities sealed in their ongoing court dispute over It Ends With Us. According to newly filed court documents, Baldoni argues that there is no legal basis to redact the names of public figures connected to the case, including Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds.

Lively had asked the court to shield certain A-listers from public scrutiny, describing Reynolds — her husband — as an “innocent third party.” Baldoni’s legal team strongly disagrees, saying her requests fail to meet the court’s “high standard” for sealing records at this stage.

Reynolds’ Alleged Role on Set

In their filing, Baldoni’s attorneys argue that Reynolds was actively involved in the making of It Ends With Us. They claim Reynolds rewrote at least one scene and confronted Baldoni over a comment that Lively interpreted as body-shaming. Because of that involvement, they argue, Reynolds cannot reasonably be considered a neutral outsider.

Baldoni’s lawyers further claim that Lively is attempting to protect the public images of her famous friends, accusing her of recruiting powerful allies to pressure Baldoni and his production partners.

Famous Names Already Public

The filing also notes that the identities of potential witnesses are already widely known. Those names reportedly include Hugh Jackman, Emily Blunt, and America Ferrera, in addition to Swift.

Representatives for Baldoni, Lively, Reynolds, and Swift did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

How Taylor Swift Became Involved

Swift was first pulled into the dispute in January 2025, when Baldoni — a former host of the Man Enough podcast — filed a countersuit against Lively. That lawsuit included text messages in which Baldoni claimed he felt pressured by Lively, Reynolds, and Swift after Lively rewrote a scene.

In one message, Baldoni alleged that Lively referred to Swift and Reynolds as her protective “dragons,” suggesting their influence was meant to ensure his cooperation. His attorney later argued that Baldoni wasn’t just dealing with Lively, but with “two of the most influential and wealthy celebrities in the world.”

Baldoni’s countersuit — which accused Lively of defamation and extortion — was dismissed in June 2025.

Lively’s Case Still Moving Forward

Lively’s lawsuit remains active. She has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and lost wages. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 18, 2026.

Meanwhile, Lively’s once-close friendship with Swift appears to have cooled. A source told Page Six in October 2025 that the two had “no contact,” though Swift’s name has continued to surface in court filings.

Depositions and Subpoenas

In December 2025, Baldoni’s deposition revealed private messages in which he accused Lively of using a “Taylor Swift playbook” — portraying herself as a victim to gain leverage. He described feeling overwhelmed as “somebody small in the industry” facing Lively and her powerful circle.

Swift herself was subpoenaed as a witness in May 2025, though the subpoena was withdrawn a month later. While she has not agreed to testify voluntarily, she did provide dates in September 2025 when she would be available if legally compelled to sit for a deposition.

As the trial date approaches, Baldoni’s refusal to keep celebrity names under wraps ensures that the case — and the stars orbiting it — will remain firmly in the public eye.