Taylor Swift Excluded from Lively-Baldoni Deposition: Reason Revealed

Taylor Swift will not give a formal deposition in the legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. A US District Court judge rejected a request to extend the discovery deadline for her testimony. The ruling was issued on Friday, September 12.

This decision ends a months-long effort to involve the pop star in the case. According to People magazine, the judge found the request lacked appropriate diligence.

How Swift Became Involved in the Hollywood Lawsuit

The case began when Blake Lively sued her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. She alleged sexual harassment and a subsequent smear campaign. Baldoni denied all claims and filed a massive countersuit.

Baldoni’s legal team brought Swift’s name into the proceedings. They claimed she was present at a key meeting at Lively’s home. They described her as one of Lively’s supporters during a script discussion.

His lawyers later sought to subpoena Swift’s private text messages with Lively. They believed these texts could discuss on-set working conditions. Swift’s team forcefully rejected this attempt, calling it tabloid fodder.

Court Upholds Deadline, Blocking Swift’s Testimony

Judge Lewis J. Liman’s ruling was definitive. He denied Baldoni’s motion for a 30-day extension to depose Swift. The court found his team did not act with the required speed.

Swift’s attorney had previously clarified her position. She never voluntarily agreed to be deposited. Her team stated she would only comply if formally compelled by the court.

Baldoni’s team argued Swift’s tour schedule made her unavailable until late October. The judge determined this was not a sufficient reason to delay the case. The original September 30 discovery deadline remains firm.

The court’s decision effectively shields Taylor Swift from this Hollywood legal battle. It confirms she has no material role in the dispute’s outcome.

Info at your fingertips

Why did Justin Baldoni want to depose Taylor Swift?

Baldoni’s legal team believed Swift witnessed events related to the case. They also sought her private text messages with Blake Lively about the film’s production.

Was Taylor Swift ever officially subpoenaed?

Yes, but her legal team successfully challenged it. The initial subpoena was withdrawn in May after being labeled an intrusion.

What is Taylor Swift’s connection to the movie It Ends With Us?

Her only connection is through music. One of her songs, “My Tears Ricochet,” is featured on the film’s official soundtrack.

What happens next in the lawsuit?

The case will proceed toward trial without Taylor Swift’s testimony. The discovery phase is concluding based on the judge’s timeline.