Taylor Swift is fighting Justin Baldoni’s subpoena amid Blake Lively legal war

New York Post - May 14th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Taylor Swift's legal team is contesting a subpoena in connection to Blake Lively's legal dispute with Justin Baldoni over the film 'It Ends With Us.' Swift's involvement was cited by Baldoni after Lively's lawsuit against him for sexual harassment and other claims. Venable, Swift's legal representation, labeled the subpoena as an unnecessary burden, as Swift had no involvement or knowledge of the film until after its release. The legal entanglement has also strained Swift and Lively's friendship, though they have since reconciled.

This legal development underscores the intense scrutiny and complexities of high-profile Hollywood legal battles, highlighting the potential for significant personal and professional impacts on those indirectly involved. The case, set for trial in March 2026, draws attention to the broader issues of legal process abuse and the challenges faced by public figures when dragged into lawsuits tangentially. The outcome may have implications on how such cases are handled in the future, particularly regarding the involvement of non-parties in legal disputes.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The story is a well-researched and engaging piece that effectively covers a high-profile legal dispute involving Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, and Justin Baldoni. It scores highly in accuracy, timeliness, and readability, with well-supported claims and a clear narrative. The article successfully captures public interest by involving popular celebrities and a contentious legal battle, though its impact is primarily entertainment-focused. While the story is generally balanced, it leans slightly towards Swift's perspective, with limited exploration of Baldoni's viewpoint. Source quality is strong, relying on credible legal documents and representative statements, though transparency could be enhanced by disclosing the basis of unnamed sources. Overall, the article is a compelling read that informs readers about the latest developments in a celebrity legal saga, while leaving room for further exploration of broader legal and ethical implications.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, with its primary claims supported by available evidence and reliable sources. The article accurately reports that Taylor Swift's legal team is contesting a subpoena related to Blake Lively's legal dispute with Justin Baldoni, labeling it an 'abuse of the discovery process.' This claim aligns with reported legal documents. Furthermore, the story correctly states that Swift was not involved in the film 'It Ends With Us,' as confirmed by her representative's statements. However, the article includes personal opinions and feelings, such as Swift feeling 'used' by Lively, which, while consistent with reports, cannot be independently verified. Overall, the story's factual basis is strong, with minor areas that rely on subjective interpretations.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including statements from both Swift's and Lively's representatives, as well as references to Baldoni's legal team's actions. However, it leans slightly towards Swift's perspective by emphasizing her lack of involvement in the film and her legal team's objections. While the story mentions Baldoni's countersuit and his lawyer's comments, it does not delve deeply into his perspective or rationale for including Swift in the legal proceedings. This could lead to a perception of bias, as the narrative focuses more on defending Swift and Lively against Baldoni's actions.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides readers through the complex legal situation. It effectively summarizes the key points, such as the nature of the legal dispute, Swift's involvement, and the positions of the involved parties. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, the inclusion of legal jargon and specific references to court documents may require some readers to seek additional context to fully understand the nuances of the case.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, such as legal documents and statements from representatives, which are generally reliable and authoritative. It cites Venable, Swift's legal firm, and spokespersons for Swift and Lively, providing a solid foundation for the claims made. However, it also includes information from unnamed sources, such as the claim about Swift feeling 'used,' which slightly diminishes the overall source quality due to the lack of verifiable attribution. Despite this, the use of reputable legal and industry sources supports the story's credibility.

6
Transparency

The article provides a reasonable level of transparency by referencing legal documents and public statements, offering readers insight into the basis of its claims. However, it lacks explicit disclosure of the methods used to gather information, particularly regarding the unnamed sources and personal opinions expressed. There is also limited context about the broader implications of the legal dispute or the potential motivations of the parties involved. This lack of complete transparency may leave readers with unanswered questions about the underlying factors influencing the story.

Sources

  1. https://www.megynkelly.com/2025/05/13/taylor-swift-subpoenaed-in-blake-lively-justin-baldoni-case/
  2. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJmy_u_MOX_/