Newly unsealed court documents from the Blake Lively legal fight reveal intense exchanges where Taylor Swift allegedly described Justin Baldoni, director of It Ends With Us, in harsh terms and pledged to support Lively’s preferred script version. These revelations underline ongoing disputes surrounding the film’s production and allegations involving Baldoni.
The released texts, emails, and papers dated up to mid-2024 expose the behind-the-scenes dynamics between Swift, Lively, and Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, who sought backing from prominent industry figures amid this high-profile dispute. The conflict centers on claims against Baldoni and his studio Wayfarer regarding misconduct and the creative control of the project.
Private Messages Show Swift’s Dismissive Remarks About Justin Baldoni
According to the court papers, Taylor Swift allegedly called Justin Baldoni a “b—-” in a text to Blake Lively shortly before a December 2024 New York Times article accused Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign against Lively. The actress and her legal team highlight this message as evidence opposing Baldoni’s defense that Lively and Swift had discussed the upcoming media coverage in advance.
I think this b—- knows something is coming because he’s gotten out his tiny violin,
Swift allegedly wrote.
This remark was presented by Lively’s lawyers as contradicting Baldoni’s side, showing no indication that Swift was forewarned or complicit in any efforts to discredit Baldoni publicly.
Blake Lively Describes Baldoni as a “Doofus Director” and “Clown” in April 2023 Texts
In a heated exchange from April 2023, Lively referred to Baldoni as a “doofus director” and “a clown” who mistakenly believed himself a writer. At that time, Swift was reportedly en route to Lively’s home, where Baldoni was also present. Lively pleaded with Swift for assistance in expressing enthusiasm to Baldoni about Lively’s script edits.
She wrote, “I need help with him,” asking Swift to send a scene for review, clarifying that reading it was optional.
I’ll send you the scene. You don’t have to read it of course,
Lively allegedly said.
Swift responded warmly,
I’ll do anything for you !!
Later, Lively praised Swift’s dedication, calling her “so epically heroic” and noting she updated Reynolds on their conversation.
Lively reiterated frustrations with Baldoni, stating:
I kept remembering stuff- You making s— up about me and lenses. And referring to yourself as my doll. This clown falling for all of it. But also resisting it. You are the worlds absolute greatest friend ever,
she allegedly wrote.
Blake Lively Takes Charge of Film Editing and Seeks Swift’s Opinion on Song Use
Texts from April 23, 2024, reveal Lively telling Swift she had gained sole control over the movie’s edit without Baldoni’s involvement, expressing determination to make the film a success.
I’ve finally gotten to get in the edit. Alone. No justin. I’m gonna make this move great (successful) if it’s the last thing I do,
Lively wrote.
She also asked Swift about retaining her song My Tears Ricochet in the film’s trailer, explaining that her feelings would decide its inclusion despite it being a risky choice.
Don’t be thrown by your song. They went out on a limb and kept it. Which is cheating be it imbues everything with such gravity and quality. I’m torn. Obviously your feelings decide it, but if you were open to it, on one hand, f— them forever. On the other, I want this movie to work, and your song hits a main artery.
Baldoni’s dismissed court claim accused Lively of “stealing” the film from him and his company.
Swift Celebrates Lively’s Complaint Against Baldoni as a Victory
Documents reveal that following Lively’s December 2024 California Civil Rights Department complaint alleging sexual harassment by Baldoni, Swift messaged her “you won,” indicating solidarity with Lively’s stand against the director.
Never has a cancellation reversed so fast,
Swift allegedly commented, highlighting the swift turnaround in public opinion and industry response.
Lively Requests Ben Affleck’s Feedback After Rewriting and Directing the Film
In May 2024, Blake Lively reached out to actor Ben Affleck, asking if he would watch her cut of It Ends With Us and offer ideas or notes. She prefaced her request by describing the film’s tumultuous production process and the immense personal toll it took on her.
I’m writing with a zero-pressure ask. I’ve just come out the other side (well almost) of the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie,
Lively wrote, explaining how she rewrote and restructured the script and ended up directing the movie due to Baldoni’s chaotic behavior.
She characterized Baldoni as the “chaotic clown” holding multiple roles—director, actor, producer, financier, studio head—all describing him as inexperienced and involved in a cult.
Anyway, I ended up rewriting and restructuring the entire script, I also ended up having to direct the movie via the chaotic clown ‘director’/actor/producer/financier/studio head at the center. Yes that’s all the same person. oh and did I mention he and everyone he had on the movie is in a cult. If I would’ve just formally directed it, it would’ve been much easier, but having to troubleshoot through his taste, ego and preexisting decisions made it so difficult and that’s not even touching on any of the wild HR issues and beyond.
Ryan Reynolds Enlists Matt Damon’s Support for the Film Amid Drama
Court papers disclose that Ryan Reynolds, in May 2024, contacted actor Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso, asking them to view Lively’s version of the film without pressure, seeking their opinions on the cut.
No worries either way. We’d LOVE to get your well earned pov,
Reynolds wrote, acknowledging the complicated and fraught nature of the production.
He added,
this movie has been one of the all-time zingers on and off set. One day, we’ll make a movie about the movie.
Joining the conversation, Lively gave a frank description of the project’s challenges, reiterating Baldoni’s lack of experience and claiming he ran the production under cult influences.
This movie nearly killed me. The director/costar/producer/financier/head of the studio (yes all one person) had zero experience, but the good news is he also has no taste, and an enormous ego, but only because he’s in a cult and believes he’s our century’s prophet.
She detailed her hands-on involvement:
I rewrote the entire script. I directed every actor. The DP was comil (coming) to me when he couldn’t get anything from him. So, way too often.
Ryan Reynolds expressed deep frustration with Baldoni’s behavior:
I’ve never seen anything like it. A malignantly vein, sociopathic FAUXminist with almost no sense of boundaries or shame. I cannot believe he hasn’t gone to jail or returned to the sun.
Reynolds Demands Industry Protection for Lively Following Backlash
In August 2024, following backlash related to the film’s launch and Lively’s role in its promotion, Reynolds sent several urgent messages to his agents demanding they protect Lively from fallout attributed to Baldoni’s conduct and the studio’s failure to manage the situation.
He emphasized that neither Lively nor he should be responsible for cleaning up the “sloppy” fallout from the controversy, urging the involved parties to own the consequences of their actions.
They should be protecting B. They can and should accept the consequences of their actions and lean into the countless and willfully gross behavior before it leans into them. They made a big f—ing mess. Blake — under NO CIRCUMSTANCES — should be asked to clean up this sloppy, cliched fuckstorm,
Reynolds wrote.
Reynolds also addressed Patrick Whitesell, chairman of Endeavor, underscoring how Lively had been pressured throughout the production to accommodate Baldoni.
I can’t and won’t sit by watching my wife — who’s been asked to shape shift around a problematic man since the very beginning of this movie — complete a grand slam home run … Only to be dragged through the mud while people ring the ‘shame bell’ behind her.
Trial Hearing Delayed to May as Disputes Continue
The court postponed the trial between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni until May, prolonging the legal battle over serious claims and counterclaims that have affected careers and raised allegations of misconduct, creative control struggles, and public smear campaigns. The outcome of this case is expected to have significant implications both legally and within the entertainment industry, spotlighting how abuse and professional conflicts are challenged behind the scenes.
