Justin Baldoni’s $400M Defamation Case: Why The New York Times Is Suing

Justin Baldoni’s legal team attempted to serve Taylor Swift with a deposition subpoena. This move is part of the ongoing lawsuit filed by his “It Ends With Us” co-star, Blake Lively. The incident occurred outside her fiancé Travis Kelce’s home in Kansas City.

The attempt to involve Swift highlights the escalating nature of the dispute. According to People, a man was arrested for criminal trespassing during the incident. This legal battle now involves multiple high-profile figures and multi-million dollar claims.

Legal Maneuvers Intensify in High-Stakes Hollywood Dispute

The deposition effort followed a denied request for more time to secure Swift’s testimony. Judge Lewis Liman had previously shut down Baldoni’s request for an extension. The singer’s representative has firmly stated she had minimal involvement with the film.

Swift’s camp clarified she only licensed one song for the movie. Her spokesperson told E! News she was never on set or involved in creative decisions. This contradicts Baldoni’s claims about her influence over Lively.

Broader Implications for Hollywood Workplace Conduct

This case has sparked wider discussions about accountability in the entertainment industry. Lively’s initial complaint alleged a sophisticated retaliatory campaign. She claims this was in response to her raising concerns about on-set behavior.

The legal back-and-forth includes multiple lawsuits and countersuits. Both sides have released evidence to support their narratives. The public nature of this dispute ensures continued media scrutiny.

The attempt to depose Taylor Swift marks a significant escalation in this legal drama, underscoring the high stakes for all parties involved in the Justin Baldoni lawsuit.

Info at your fingertips

What is the main lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni about?

Blake Lively filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. She claims Baldoni and his associates engaged in this after she voiced concerns about on-set behavior. The lawsuit includes multiple serious allegations about workplace conduct.

Why does Justin Baldoni want to depose Taylor Swift?

Baldoni’s legal team believes Swift has relevant information about Lively’s creative control on the film. They allege Lively used her friendship with Swift as leverage. Swift’s representatives deny she had any meaningful involvement in the production.

What happened with the attempt to serve Taylor Swift?

A man attempting to serve deposition papers was arrested for trespassing at Travis Kelce’s home. This occurred in September, just after 2 a.m. local time. The incident added another layer of controversy to the ongoing legal proceedings.

Has Justin Baldoni filed any lawsuits in this matter?

Baldoni previously filed a $400 million lawsuit against The New York Times regarding their reporting. That lawsuit was dismissed by a judge in June. He has also filed countersuits against Lively and Ryan Reynolds.

What is the current status of the main litigation?

The core lawsuit between Lively and Baldoni continues forward. A trial date has been set for March 2026. Both sides continue to file motions and evidence in preparation for the proceeding.