In a decisive turn for the controversial legal case between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Taylor Swift will not have to appear to testify as a witness. Judge Lewis A. Liman denied a request by Baldoni's team and production company Wayfarer to extend the deadline to take the singer's deposition, closing a door that had generated media speculation for months.

The lawsuit, which involves allegations of workplace harassment and manipulation by Baldoni during the production of 'It Ends With Us,' had initially listed Taylor Swift as a potentially relevant figure.

The allegations were based on alleged text messages suggesting that the artist was present at a meeting between Lively and Baldoni, which could have provided context about the dynamics on the set. However, from the beginning, Swift's role was more symbolic than subpoenaed.

About the subpoena for Taylor Swift

In May 2025, Baldoni's team issued a subpoena for Taylor to testify, but withdrew it without a clear explanation. Now, days before the discovery deadline, they've attempted to reinstate the request, arguing that the superstar had agreed to testify in October—a claim her lawyer vehemently denied.

According to Swift's legal representative, she never voluntarily agreed to participate in a deposition and would only be willing to do so if legally compelled.

That's when Judge Liman issued his ruling, sounding forceful and meticulous. In his written order, the judge emphasized that the plaintiffs had failed to show “good cause” or “appropriate diligence” to justify the delay.

“The Wayfarer Parties have provided no discussion as to when they began attempting to schedule the deposition,” he noted.

“The case has been ongoing for approximately six months. They requested the deposition in May, withdrew it, and now, without having served a new subpoena, are asking for an extension due to 'logistical difficulties.'”

The judge emphasized that Swift's professional occupations—although legitimate—do not constitute a valid excuse unless it is shown that a serious and timely effort was made to coordinate her testimony from the beginning. "They have not shown that the deposition could not have been conducted earlier," he concluded. "They have only shown that it is inconvenient now. That is not enough."

This ruling comes as a relief to Taylor Swift, who has so far kept a low profile amid the media storm surrounding the case. Although her name appeared in court documents, she was never formally part of the lawsuit, and her potential testimony was always seen as secondary compared to the central allegations against Baldoni.