Pop star Taylor Swift is pushing back after being subpoenaed Friday in the high-profile legal battle between her close friend Blake Lively and her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni.
Mr. Baldoni’s legal team claims that Ms. Lively referred to Ms. Swift as one of her “dragons,” using the megastar singer’s involvement to pressure him during disputes over the film’s production.
Media reports suggest Ms. Swift was privately displeased about being drawn into the feud and felt “used” by Ms. Lively, though she has made no public comment on the state of their friendship.
Mr. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, officially served the subpoena Friday. In response, Ms. Swift’s team issued a sharp statement denying any involvement in the matter.
“Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie,” a spokesperson told People magazine, adding she had no role in casting, production or post-production.
The legal battle centers on Ms. Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation by Mr. Baldoni during the production of “It Ends With Us.” Mr. Baldoni is countering with a $400 million lawsuit, accusing Ms. Lively; her husband, Ryan Reynolds; and their publicist of defamation and civil extortion.
“[Ms. Swift] didn’t even see the film until weeks after its release,” the spokesperson said, noting that Ms. Swift had been headlining her record-breaking Eras Tour throughout 2023 and 2024.
The singer’s team said the only connection was her approval of a single song, “My Tears Ricochet,” for use in the film. Representatives accused Mr. Baldoni’s team of invoking Ms. Swift’s name for publicity.
“This is clickbait at its worst,” the spokesperson said.
