The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken a dramatic turn, with Baldoni's attempt to depose Taylor Swift facing significant opposition. Lively's legal team vehemently rejects Baldoni's request, arguing in a recent filing that the move is a calculated attempt to generate media attention and lacks sufficient justification. The request, made public in a September 11th letter to the court, seeks to depose Swift during the week of October 20-25, citing her pre-existing professional commitments. However, Lively's lawyers contend that Baldoni's team hasn't provided any evidence to warrant such a late request, particularly given that the discovery period has already concluded.
Lively's attorney, Michael J. Gottlieb, points out the lack of diligence shown by Baldoni's team in scheduling the deposition. He argues that ample time existed during the six-month discovery period to contact Swift's representatives and arrange a suitable date, yet no such effort was made until very recently. Gottlieb highlights the disrespect this shows towards Swift's privacy and busy schedule, suggesting Baldoni’s actions are a blatant attempt to exploit Swift’s high profile. The filing also claims that Baldoni's actions are part of a larger "relentless media strategy."
The legal maneuvering comes as the main lawsuit, scheduled to go to trial in March 2026, centers around Lively's claims of sexual harassment and retaliation against Baldoni stemming from the production of their film, *It Ends With Us*. Swift's involvement in the case has been a significant subplot, particularly given her friendship with Lively. Swift's name appeared in a crisis PR document prepared by Baldoni's team, outlining strategies to address the controversy. This, along with Swift’s contribution to the Lively-produced version of *It Ends With Us*, has made the singer a focal point in the unfolding drama. Swift's representatives have not yet commented on the proposed deposition, nor has Baldoni’s team responded to the accusations of strategic media manipulation.
The timing of the proposed deposition is noteworthy, falling just weeks before the release of Swift's new album, *The Life of a Showgirl*, adding another layer of complexity to this already high-profile legal battle. Judge Lewis Liman will ultimately decide whether to grant Baldoni's request for an extension and the inclusion of Swift in the depositions. The case continues to captivate the public, fueled by the intertwined narratives of friendship, Hollywood drama, and high-stakes legal battles.
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Originally published at: https://deadline.com/2025/09/taylor-swift-blake-lively-deposition-justin-baldoni-1236529998/
