Taylor Swift’s “Explosive” Texts to Blake Lively Revealed in Ongoing It Ends With Us Legal Battle

Newly unsealed court documents have thrust Taylor Swift into the center of the contentious legal war between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. As the lawsuit involving the It Ends With Us co-stars heads toward a potential trial later this year, private text messages between the pop superstar and the actress have been made public, offering a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the animosity that plagued the film’s production. The messages, which were unsealed on Tuesday in Manhattan, reveal Swift’s unfiltered thoughts on Baldoni and her unwavering support for Lively during what they described as a chaotic filming experience.

The most headline-grabbing exchanges involve swift and sharp critiques of Baldoni, who directed and starred in the 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. In one text sent in December 2024, Swift reacted to a news story in which Baldoni discussed his own history of trauma. The singer wrote to Lively, “I think this b—- knows something is coming because he’s gotten out his tiny violin,” implying that the director was attempting to garner public sympathy ahead of negative press.

Lively, for her part, did not hold back in her correspondence with her longtime best friend. In messages dating back to the film’s production, the Gossip Girl alum referred to Baldoni as a “doofus” and a “clown” who “thinks he’s a writer now.” These texts appear to corroborate rumors that Lively was unhappy with Baldoni’s creative direction and script decisions. In one exchange, Lively describes a moment where she felt Baldoni was taking credit for her creative input, telling Swift, “He’s a clown… told me he appreciates my passion. That’s. It.”

Beyond the insults, the texts reveal that Swift was acting as a strategic sounding board for Lively regarding the film’s marketing and power dynamics. When the film’s trailer was released featuring Swift’s song “My Tears Ricochet,” the singer noted that Baldoni had made a tactical error. Swift texted that if Baldoni were truly strategic, he would have vetoed using her music because its inclusion gave Lively—Swift’s close friend—more leverage over the film’s promotion. “That’s your ally, not his,” Swift wrote, suggesting that Baldoni’s “misogyny runs so deep” he underestimated the women involved.

Lively agreed, replying that Baldoni had lost his “only shot at having the appearance of an upper hand.” The texts suggest that the two women viewed the film’s promotional campaign as a chess match, with Swift actively cheering on Lively’s attempts to assert control over the project.

The documents also shed light on the rumored “shadow directing” or script rewriting that occurred on set. Lively allegedly sent Swift a revised version of a scene she had written, asking for the singer’s take. Swift’s response was enthusiastic, calling Lively “epically heroic” for her efforts to salvage the material and adding, “I’ll do anything for you!!” This exchange highlights how deeply involved Swift was in validating Lively’s perspective during the production turmoil.

However, the text dump wasn’t entirely about solidarity against Baldoni; it also hinted at strains within Swift and Lively’s own relationship. In a surprising turn, one thread from late 2024 shows Swift confronting Lively about a “shift” in their friendship. Swift admitted she felt a distance, telling Lively that her recent messages felt like “reading a mass corporate email sent to 200 employees” rather than texts from her “funny, dark, normal-speaking friend.” Lively apologized, attributing her behavior to the immense stress of the lawsuit and the feeling that she was losing allies, to which Swift graciously reassured her, emphasizing that she just wanted her friend back.

These revelations are part of a broader legal conflict that exploded after the release of It Ends With Us in August 2024. While the movie was a massive box office success, grossing over $300 million globally, the press tour was awkward and disjointed, with Lively and Baldoni refusing to do interviews together. In late 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, alleging sexual harassment and a coordinated PR smear campaign designed to ruin her reputation.

Baldoni, who has vehemently denied the allegations, initially filed a countersuit claiming defamation and civil extortion, arguing that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, attempted to hijack the film’s creative control. While a judge dismissed parts of Baldoni’s countersuit last year, the legal battle continues, with Lively’s claims set for trial in May 2026.

Justin Baldoni, 41, first rose to fame as the heartthrob Rafael Solano in the hit series Jane the Virgin. He pivoted to directing with the tear-jerker Five Feet Apart (2019) and the Disney+ film Clouds (2020) before taking on It Ends With Us. His production company, Wayfarer Studios, focuses on creating purpose-driven content, a mission statement that has been scrutinized amidst the current allegations.

Blake Lively, 38, became a household name as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl. She has since built a successful film career with roles in The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, and A Simple Favor. Married to actor Ryan Reynolds, she is known for her high-profile fashion moments and close friendships within the industry. It Ends With Us was intended to be a major dramatic vehicle for her, but the narrative has been overtaken by the off-screen drama.

The film itself, It Ends With Us, is a romance drama based on the 2016 novel by Colleen Hoover. It deals with heavy themes of domestic violence and emotional abuse, following the story of Lily Bloom (Lively) as she navigates a complex relationship with Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni) and reconnects with a past love, Atlas Corrigan (played by Brandon Sklenar). Despite the controversy, the film resonated with audiences, though the sequel, It Starts With Us, remains in limbo given the legal radioactive fallout between the lead actors.

As the trial date approaches, it remains to be seen how these private communications will impact the jury—or the court of public opinion.

We want to hear your take on these leaked messages and whether they change your view of the movie’s drama, so let us know what you think in the comments.