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Judge Weighs Blake Lively’s Harassment Suit as Unsealed Texts Pull Taylor Swift Into Case

A New York hearing followed the release of messages and emails that both sides say bolster their arguments, with a May 18 trial still on the calendar.

Overview

  • Newly unsealed filings include private texts in which Taylor Swift criticized Justin Baldoni, with exchanges that Lively’s team says document real-time concerns and that Baldoni’s lawyers argue undercut her claims.
  • The documents show Lively sought feedback on her cut of It Ends With Us from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, and include messages from co-star Jenny Slate calling the shoot “gross and disturbing.”
  • At Thursday’s hearing, Judge Lewis J. Liman heard arguments on whether to dismiss Lively’s case; he did not rule, as Lively’s lawyer cited alleged boundary-crossing incidents and Baldoni’s side called the claims legally insufficient.
  • Baldoni’s countersuits against Lively, Ryan Reynolds and the New York Times were dismissed in June 2025, and a bid to depose Swift was rejected in September 2025; the civil trial remains set for May 18, 2026.
  • Lively’s attorneys say the records show Wayfarer treated complaints as sexual-harassment issues and retaliated, while Baldoni’s counsel maintains the evidence does not support her allegations and expresses confidence in clearing his name.