It Ends With Us

In a significant legal ruling, a judge has granted Justin Baldoni the ability to obtain text messages exchanged between Blake Lively and Taylor Swift, specifically regarding their upcoming film, *It Ends With Us*. The decision, made by Judge Lewis Liman on June 18, 2025, indicates that the communications may be relevant to the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the film. Judge Liman acknowledged the complexities of the case, stating, “A motion or request may be, and in this case often has been, both a legitimate litigation tactic and an attempt to maneuver in the broader court of public opinion.” This ruling comes amidst a backdrop of escalating legal tensions between Baldoni, Lively, and Swift, particularly concerning allegations of harassment and retaliation on the film set. Swift had previously sought to dismiss the subpoenas filed by Baldoni’s legal team, a move that was later withdrawn. Sources close to the situation indicated that Swift’s team decided to withdraw the request because they had voluntarily provided information to Baldoni’s legal representatives. Meanwhile, Lively, who stars alongside Baldoni in the film, filed for a protective order against Baldoni’s team, arguing that their demands for her communications with Swift were excessive and irrelevant to the case. In his ruling, Judge Liman countered Lively’s objections, noting that her claims indicated that Swift had knowledge of complaints regarding the working environment on set. This suggests that the requested messages could be crucial in substantiating or refuting Lively’s allegations of harassment. A spokesperson for Lively responded to the ruling, asserting that the court had denied Baldoni’s motion to compel documents from her, emphasizing that Lively had already produced more documents than Baldoni’s team combined. The statement further criticized Baldoni’s attempts to involve Swift, describing them as a distraction from the serious allegations he faces. Lively’s legal team has been vocal about their stance, claiming that Baldoni’s continuous efforts to involve Swift are merely a tactic to exploit her popularity and divert attention from the pressing issues at hand. The statement highlighted that Baldoni’s team had previously subpoenaed Swift and then withdrew the request, which they deemed inconsistent and opportunistic. The legal battle began in December 2024, when Lively accused Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has vehemently denied these allegations and countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane for $400 million, accusing them of civil extortion and defamation, claims they have denied. As the case progresses, Baldoni has been allowed to amend his claims regarding breach of implied covenant and tortious interference with contract, with a deadline set for June 23. This development indicates that the legal confrontation is far from over, and both parties are preparing for a protracted legal battle. Lively has publicly addressed the situation, sharing her experiences with retaliatory lawsuits and the challenges of speaking out against harassment. Her commitment to advocating for women’s rights has resonated with many, further complicating the public perception of the ongoing legal disputes. As fans of Hollywood continue to follow this high-profile case, the implications of the judge’s ruling may extend beyond the courtroom, influencing public discussions about accountability and conduct within the entertainment industry. The involvement of prominent figures like Lively and Swift in this legal drama adds an extra layer of intrigue, drawing attention from both fans and media alike. As more details emerge, it remains to be seen how this ruling will impact the relationships and careers of those involved, and what it might mean for the future of *It Ends With Us*. The ongoing saga serves as a reminder of the complexities of celebrity culture and the legal challenges that can arise in the spotlight.