Los Angeles, USA, September 13(HS): Taylor Swift’s legal team has clarified that the pop star has no material role in the ongoing legal battle between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni and has not agreed to voluntarily sit for a deposition. Swift would only comply with testimony if compelled by US District Judge Lewis Liman due to her demanding schedule, notably with her upcoming album release scheduled for October 3.

This latest development unfolds amid claims by Baldoni's lawyers that Swift agreed to be deposed during the week of October 20-25, a timeline they insist is needed due to the singer’s “preexisting professional obligations.” However, Lively’s legal representatives have pushed back, arguing the move is an attempt by Baldoni’s team to create a media spectacle and insisting there is insufficient justification for extending deadlines.

This legal conflict between Lively and Baldoni centers on Lively’s accusations of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign by the director and co-star Baldoni related to their film It Ends With Us. Baldoni’s defamation counterclaims against Lively have been dismissed.

Earlier attempts by Baldoni’s lawyers to subpoena Swift for text messages were withdrawn amid objections over privacy and irrelevance. However, communications between Swift and Lively have been made part of the case, revealing the closeness of their friendship and adding complexity to the discovery process.

As the discovery phase edges toward completion, the fight over Swift’s deposition highlights the intersection of celebrity, legal strategy, and media spectacle in this high-profile lawsuit scheduled for trial in spring 2026 .

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar