Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni. (Getty Images via AOL)
Taylor Swift will not be deposed in the ongoing legal battle involving actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. A federal judge has denied Baldoni’s request to extend the discovery deadline in order to question Swift under oath.
The decision marks another twist in a case that has increasingly drawn public attention, especially with Swift’s name attached.
Judge Rejects Baldoni’s Request
Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Baldoni’s legal team failed to act with proper diligence. Discovery in the case has been ongoing for six months, but the request to extend the deadline came only at the last minute.
In his order, the judge noted that the only reason given was Swift’s “professional obligations,” which allegedly prevented her from appearing before October 20. Baldoni’s team had asked for time until the end of October.
The judge, however, stressed that Baldoni’s lawyers had not produced evidence of serving a renewed subpoena on Swift. He concluded that their lack of diligence could not justify pushing deadlines further.
Swift Pushes Back on Deposition Claims
Baldoni’s lawyers argued in court filings that Swift had agreed to a deposition, but her legal team quickly disputed that. In a letter submitted to the court, Swift’s attorney clarified she had not consented to testify and only mentioned her availability if compelled by the court.
The attorney further stated that Swift has “no material role” in the case and that any attempt to involve her is unnecessary.
Lively’s Team Accuses Baldoni of Media Play
Blake Lively’s attorneys went a step further, accusing Baldoni’s side of using Swift’s name to fuel publicity. According to their filing, Baldoni’s team failed to coordinate with Swift’s representatives until the very last moment.
They described the effort as a “relentless media strategy,” calling the repeated attempts to involve Swift “disrespectful of her privacy and schedule.”
Why Swift’s Name Entered the Case
Swift’s connection to the dispute dates back to earlier filings, when text messages between Lively and Baldoni surfaced. In one message, Baldoni referenced “Ryan and Taylor” while discussing a script change, prompting speculation about Swift’s involvement.
However, Swift’s representatives made it clear that her role in the film It Ends With Us was minimal. She permitted the use of her song My Tears Ricochet, but had no part in casting, production, or editing.
A spokesperson emphasized that her only involvement was licensing a single track, just as 19 other artists did for the movie.
Case Continues Without Swift
While Baldoni’s suit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds was dismissed earlier, Lively is still pursuing her claims of sexual harassment and retaliation.
Swift, despite being drawn into the case through subpoenas and speculation, is now officially off the witness list.
The trial is scheduled to begin next spring in federal court in New York, without Taylor Swift taking the stand.
