At a Glance
- Taylor Swift texted Blake Lively calling Justin Baldoni a derogatory term over a looming New York Times story.
- The message surfaced in Lively’s federal lawsuit alleging Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios plotted a smear campaign.
- Lively’s team labels newly unsealed statements from multiple women and staff as “damning.”
- Why it matters: The leak intensifies scrutiny on Baldoni as both sides battle in court over harassment and retaliation claims.
Newly released text messages show Taylor Swift calling actor-director Justin Baldoni an expletive as fellow actress Blake Lively prepared for a New York Times article accusing Baldoni of orchestrating a retaliatory campaign against her.
The exchange, dated December 4-5, 2024, emerged Tuesday after Lively’s attorneys filed public versions of sealed exhibits in her lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and others in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.
The Text at the Center of the Fight
Court papers quote Swift writing to Lively:
> “I think this bitch knows something is coming because he’s gotten out his tiny violin.”
The defense claims the two women discussed the forthcoming Times article that would report Baldoni and Wayfarer CEO Steve Sarowitz had mounted a “retaliatory ‘smear campaign'” against Lively.
Lively’s lawyers acknowledge the wording but dispute the context, arguing the message does not prove Swift and Lively were coordinating a response to the story.
Representatives for Swift did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday evening.
Swift’s Limited Role in the Film
Swift licensed a song for the 2024 romantic drama It Ends With Us but otherwise had no production involvement, her spokesperson confirmed last year when Baldoni’s camp floated subpoenaing her as a potential witness.
The film adaptation stars Lively as florist Lily Bloom and Baldoni as her husband, neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, in a narrative about breaking cycles of domestic abuse.
Lively’s Legal Team Pushes Back
Attorney Sigrid McCawley, representing Lively, said the latest filing includes “damning” statements about Baldoni from numerous sources.
> “The newly unsealed, damning documents show the consistent reaction numerous women, cast, crew, executives, partners, co-host and even his own PR team had working with Justin Baldoni,” McCawley said.
The motion re-files previously sealed exhibits attached to an earlier effort blocking Baldoni’s bid for summary judgment.
Timeline of Escalating Claims
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 20, 2023 | Lively files complaint with California Civil Rights Department citing sexual harassment and retaliation. |
| December 31, 2023 | She escalates by filing a federal civil suit against Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, Sarowitz, and others. |
| February 2024 | Lively submits an amended complaint alleging a “multi-tiered plan” to ruin her reputation. |
| June 2024 | A judge dismisses Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit. |
| November 2024 | The court formally closes Baldoni’s counter-claim after he misses a deadline to refile. |
| December 4-5, 2024 | Swift and Lively exchange texts about Baldoni. |
| December 17, 2024 | Lively’s team files public versions of previously sealed exhibits quoting the texts. |
What Lively Alleges
The actress contends Baldoni sexually harassed her during filming and later retaliated when she raised concerns about his on-set behavior.
Her amended complaint, which seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, claims the director and his team executed a coordinated effort to discredit her through media leaks and social-media accounts.
Baldoni’s Prior Response
An attorney for Baldoni previously called Lively’s allegations “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.”
Neither Baldoni’s publicist nor his counsel responded to new requests for comment Tuesday night.
A spokesperson for Wayfarer Studios also declined to comment on the latest developments.
Key Takeaways
- A single text from Swift bolsters Lively’s narrative that Baldoni anticipated negative press.
- The lawsuit now includes testimony from multiple women and industry professionals.
- Baldoni no longer has an active countersuit, leaving the legal pressure squarely on his defense against Lively’s claims.
- With court exhibits now public, both sides brace for a high-profile trial expected to spotlight Hollywood power dynamics and workplace conduct.
Emmy Beck-Aden contributed.
