At a Glance
- Blake Lively denies that Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman were present when her husband Ryan Reynolds confronted Justin Baldoni about her weight.
- The claim arose from a newly unsealed email and was rebutted in Lively’s deposition released on Jan. 20.
- The lawsuit, filed in December 2024, will be heard in March 2026.
- Why it matters: The case pits a high-profile actress against a director, with public figures allegedly involved, raising questions about on-set conduct and media influence.
Blake Lively’s deposition, released on Jan. 20, clarified that only Ryan Reynolds was present when she raised her concerns about Justin Baldoni’s inappropriate inquiries into her weight. The actress, 38, said the meeting took place at her home on April 25, 2023.
The Unsealed Email and the Alleged Presence
In November, a previously sealed email from the Wayfarer team surfaced. The email, sent from Wayfarer Studios co-founder Jamey Heath’s team to Baldoni’s publicist in July 2024, claimed that Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman were present in the apartment during the meeting. The timeline listed the couple’s famous pals as “also present in the apt at the time.”
Lively’s deposition directly contradicts that assertion. She stated:
> “No one but Baldoni, myself, and Reynolds was anywhere in our office during the discussion about Baldoni’s inappropriate inquiries into my weight.”
She further explained that Jackman had only stopped by to pick up Reynolds for lunch, shaking Baldoni’s hand at the door and leaving with Reynolds.
Details of the Weight-Shaming Incident
According to Lively, her personal trainer and longtime friend Don Saladino informed her that Baldoni had asked “behind my back” how much she would weigh around the time filming was scheduled to begin. She said she raised the issue with Baldoni during the April meeting, expressing that his question felt invasive and inappropriate.
Reynolds, Lively’s husband and co-star, was present during the discussion. He reportedly joined the conversation briefly, according to Lively’s testimony.
Legal Proceedings and Subpoenas
Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni and others in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni denies the allegations. The trial is scheduled for March 2026.
Taylor Swift, not a party to the lawsuit, has been repeatedly mentioned by Baldoni as a potential witness. In May 2025, Baldoni’s legal team attempted to subpoena Swift. Swift’s representative responded with a statement that Swift had never set foot on the set of the film, had not been involved in any casting or creative decisions, and had not seen the film until weeks after its release.
The rep also clarified that Swift’s connection to the project was limited to permitting the use of the song “My Tears Ricochet.” The representative accused Baldoni’s side of using Swift’s name to create tabloid clickbait instead of focusing on the facts of the case.
Context: The Film and Its Production
The dispute centers around the film It Ends With Us, in which Lively and Baldoni co-star and co-direct. While the article does not detail the film’s production schedule, the timeline of events indicates that filming was set to begin shortly after the April 2023 meeting.
Key Takeaways
- Lively’s deposition contradicts the email’s claim that Swift and Jackman were present.
- The lawsuit alleges harassment and retaliation, with a trial set for March 2026.
- Swift’s name has been used in the legal narrative, but her representative denies any direct involvement.
- The case highlights tensions that can arise on set when personal concerns intersect with professional relationships.
Final Thoughts
The unfolding legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni underscores the importance of clear communication and professional boundaries in film production. As the trial approaches, observers will watch closely how the parties present their evidence and how the presence-or absence-of high-profile figures like Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman may influence public perception.
