What Taylor Swift’s text messages reveal in Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni ‘It Ends With Us’ drama
Newly unsealed text messages between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively offer a glimpse into their friendship during a tumultuous period in 2024. The messages surfaced as Lively initiated legal action against Justin Baldoni, director and costar of the film It Ends With Us, alleging sexual misconduct and a subsequent smear campaign.
The Legal Battle and Its Fallout
Lively’s December 2024 lawsuit against Baldoni sparked a year-long public dispute. Baldoni responded with a countersuit, which was eventually dismissed. Throughout the ordeal, Swift became a prominent figure in media coverage, leading Baldoni’s team to suggest Lively leveraged the singer’s influence over the film’s production. In May 2025, Baldoni dropped a subpoena directed at Swift.
A Friendship Under Strain
The released texts, dating from December 4th and 5th, 2024, reveal a friendship navigating the pressures of Lively’s legal battle. Lively expressed feeling as though she had been overly focused on her own issues, writing that she feared she had been a “bad friend” and acknowledging Swift’s generosity in offering support. She also admitted to a lingering sense that “something may not be right.”
Swift, who was nearing the end of her Eras Tour at the time, responded with understanding, acknowledging the all-consuming nature of such situations. However, she also expressed a shift in Lively’s communication style, describing her texts as resembling a “mass corporate email” and missing their usual “funny, dark, normal-speaking” tone.
Paranoia and Support
Lively apologized for the change in her communication, attributing it to “digital paranoia” and a fear of her words becoming public. She revealed that the situation had strained her relationships, noting that some lifelong friends and allies had “quietly dipped.” This sense of isolation led her to overcompensate with those who remained supportive.
Swift’s Perspective on Baldoni
On December 5th, Swift shared a People magazine Instagram post featuring Justin Baldoni discussing his own experiences with trauma. Swift’s accompanying text – “I think this bitch knows something is coming because he’s gotten out his tiny violin” – suggests a dismissive view of Baldoni’s statements. This message has been linked by fans to Swift’s song “Cancelled!” from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl, which contains lyrics echoing the situation.
The exchange also touched upon an event hosted by the women’s nonprofit Vital Voices, where Baldoni was initially slated to receive an award. Following Lively’s complaint, the organization rescinded the honor. Both women expressed disbelief at Baldoni’s perceived confidence and the potential for him to be recognized as an ally to women.
The conversation concluded with Swift offering strong support to Lively, stating, “You won… You did it,” and acknowledging the broader impact of Lively’s actions in potentially preventing others from experiencing similar harm. Lively reciprocated, expressing her reliance on Swift throughout the ordeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the release of these text messages?
The text messages were released as part of the legal proceedings between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, specifically within the court documents for the case Lively v. Wayfarer Studios LLC.
Did the friendship between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively survive the controversy?
The texts reveal a strain in their friendship during December 2024, but do not definitively state whether they remain friends. The two women have not been publicly seen together since October 2024, nor have they publicly addressed the state of their friendship.
What was the outcome of the legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
Justin Baldoni’s countersuit against Blake Lively was eventually dismissed. Baldoni also dropped a subpoena against Taylor Swift in May 2025.
Given the complexities of public disputes and the pressures faced by those involved, how do you think maintaining personal relationships during such times impacts the individuals involved?