Taylor Swift’s involvement in Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s lawsuits gets conflicting reports. Previously, Lively sued the It Ends With Us director and co-star for Sєxual harᴀssment, alleging hostile work environment and launching an alleged smear campaign to destroy her reputation. In her filing, the A Simple Favor star claimed that Baldoni named Swift while discussing his takedown plan.
In a filing on Thursday, September 11, reported by Variety, Baldoni’s lawyers claimed the “Lover” singer agreed to be deposed on the week of October 20 in order to extend the deposition ᴅᴇᴀᴅline. Now, the singer-songwriter’s lawyer has responded with a different story.
Per a ᴅᴇᴀᴅline report, Swift’s lawyer Douglas Baldridge wrote to Judge Lewis Liman the afternoon of Friday, September 12, stating that Swift “did not agree to a deposition” and takes no role in the disputes. He further shared that the singer could be available during the week of October 20 if she were forced into a deposition. Read his statement below:
As counsel for the parties know, since the inception of this matter we have consistently maintained that my client has no material role in this action. Further, my client did not agree to a deposition. We take no role in those disputes.
Variety did update its initial story after the filing from Swift’s lawyer.
What This Means For It Ends With Us Legal Drama
Baldoni previously sued Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds for defamation and civil extortion. He claimed that Lively tried to leverage her celebrity friend’s power and influence to take creative control of the film. While his case was dismissed, the A Simple Favor star continues to pursue her Sєxual harᴀssment suit.
With the actor having already been deposed, the high-profile case is near completion of discovery. However, her team has yet to take depositions of the defendants. A trial is set for next spring. On Thursday, Lively’s lawyers asked for a ᴅᴇᴀᴅline extension to take depositions from September 30 to October 10, claiming a lack of cooperation from Baldoni’s side to provide the required documents.
The latest statement from Swift’s legal team stressed that she didn’t agree to a deposition as Baldoni’s team claimed. However, she will show up in court if “forced.” Meanwhile, the superstar’s upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, is due to come out on October 3.
Our Take On It Ends With Us Legal Drama
Lively’s lawyers were expecting a 30-day extension for discovery from Baldoni’s team. In response, It Ends With Us director’s team argued that they were only requesting an extension to accommodate Swift’s busy schedule.
Swift’s team has previously denied the singer’s involvement in the behind-the-scenes feud between Baldoni and Lively, claiming that her role was only limited to licensing her song “My Tears Ricochet” to be used in It Ends With Us. Whether the singer will be deposed is currently unknown. Judge Liman will have the final say in the matter.
Sources: ᴅᴇᴀᴅline & Variety
