Pop Superstar to Sit for Deposition in October
In a stunning twist to one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal battles, Taylor Swift is now officially set to testify in the ongoing feud between actress Blake Lively and actor-director Justin Baldoni. According to newly filed court documents, the global music icon has been scheduled to sit for a deposition later in October, after months of speculation about her potential involvement.
Legal filings confirm that the selected dates for Swift’s testimony were arranged around her “preexisting professional obligations,” a nod to her upcoming press tour promoting her highly anticipated 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. This accommodation ensures that the superstar can balance her legal duties with her major promotional commitments.
How Taylor Swift Became Entangled in the Dispute
Swift’s involvement in the Lively-Baldoni case came as a shock to fans when private text messages between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni surfaced earlier this year. In one message, Lively reportedly referred to Swift as one of her “dragons” following an intense meeting with Baldoni.
Those texts became a centerpiece of Baldoni’s massive $400 million countersuit, which accuses Lively of defamation and breach of contract related to the production of It Ends With Us, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Sources close to the matter say the text exchange caused a deep rift between Lively and Swift, who had been famously close friends for years.
The Friendship Fallout
Insiders revealed earlier this summer that the situation took a personal toll on Swift. The pop star reportedly felt blindsided and “used” when her name was pulled into the legal fight. What was once one of Hollywood’s most admired friendships appears to have cooled considerably in recent months, as Swift distanced herself from the controversy.
The Grammy-winning artist was first subpoenaed back in May, a move that her representatives publicly criticized at the time. They argued that Swift had “no direct involvement” in the dispute over the film and should not have been dragged into the litigation. Nevertheless, the court has now ordered her testimony, making her role in the case unavoidable.
Justin Baldoni’s Legal Team Requests Schedule Change
Court records indicate that Baldoni’s attorneys petitioned the judge to modify the case’s scheduling order so that Swift could testify after October 20. This timeline allows her to complete her album press tour while still participating in the legal process.
Legal experts say Swift’s testimony could be crucial, given her once-close relationship with Lively and her potential knowledge of behind-the-scenes discussions. Whether she will provide information that benefits Baldoni’s case or supports Lively remains a major question heading into the deposition.
Why This Case Matters
The dispute over It Ends With Us has captivated fans of the novel and the celebrity world alike, with allegations of creative disputes, financial disagreements, and personal fallouts dominating headlines. The lawsuit and countersuit together involve hundreds of millions of dollars, making it one of the most significant entertainment-related legal battles of the year.
Swift’s deposition could potentially sway negotiations or even impact the outcome of the case if it proceeds to trial. Her testimony might shed light on private conversations that have so far remained speculative in the public eye.
What Happens Next
Swift’s deposition is expected to take place sometime in late October, though the exact date has not been made public for security reasons. Following her testimony, the court is expected to proceed with additional witness statements before setting a trial date, unless the parties reach a settlement.
Fans of both Swift and Lively will be watching closely to see whether this legal battle leads to further revelations about their fractured friendship. Meanwhile, Justin Baldoni continues to fight to protect his reputation and the future of the It Ends With Us project.
Bottom Line
Taylor Swift’s entry into the Lively-Baldoni legal drama adds a new level of intrigue to an already high-profile case. With her testimony set to take place after her album promotion concludes, all eyes will be on the pop icon to see whether her words tip the scales in one of Hollywood’s most dramatic showdowns of the year.
Sources: TMZ
