Blake Lively's ongoing legal fight with Justin Baldoni has taken a toll on her bond with Taylor Swift. Multiple sources told PEOPLE the actresses' decade-long friendship, which began in 2014, faces challenges as Swift navigates a subpoena from Baldoni's legal team. The tension marks a shift for the duo, with Swift serving as godmother to Lively's four children with husband Ryan Reynolds.
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"Their friendship has paused," a source close to Swift told PEOPLE. "Taylor wants no involvement in this drama."
Another insider notes that Lively, 37, and Swift, 35, are "taking space" but remain friends. However, the subpoena, served on May 8, has disrupted their fragile truce.
Legal Drama Fuels Rift
Lively sued Baldoni, her "It Ends With Us" co-star and director, in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni denied the claims and countersued for $400 million, accusing Lively and Reynolds of extortion and defamation.
His legal team's subpoena of Swift has deepened the divide. "It fractured their peace," a source close to the case told PEOPLE.
Swift, who has stayed silent on the issue, faced pressure to support Lively publicly, according to Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman. Lively's attorney, Mike Gottlieb, called these claims "completely untethered from reality."
A judge struck Freedman's affidavit as "improper" on May 14, warning of potential sanctions.
Additionally, Lively's friendship with Gigi Hadid, 30, has cooled. "Gigi feels torn but leans toward Taylor," a Hadid source said.
Despite this, several of Lively's "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" co-stars, including America Ferrera and Alexis Bledel, rallied behind her with a joint Instagram statement in December 2024. Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Salma Hayek also showed public support.
Impact on Relationships and Careers
Swift's team clarified she didn't see "It Ends With Us" until after its release, distancing her from the project. Lively, reflecting on the ordeal, described 2025 as an "intense year" with "highest highs and lowest lows" on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" on May 1.
The trial, set for March 2026, will see both Lively and Baldoni testify.
Per PEOPLE, the legal saga has reshaped Lively's inner circle. While some friends stand by her, the strain with Swift and Hadid highlights the personal cost.
