Almost two weeks after Taylor Swift was called as a witness in the legal feud between Blake Lively and Justin Bardoni, Swift is no longer required to testify, as Bardoni’s legal team has withdrawn their subpoena. On Thursday, representatives for Lively confirmed their support for this reversal, indicating their commitment to challenging any unfair harassment or threats faced by third parties involved.
“We’re glad Justin Bardoni and the Wayfarer Party have retracted their harassment subpoena against Taylor Swift and her legal team,” a spokesperson for Lively stated. “We fully support Taylor’s lawyers and continue to confront those who create such harassment.”
Apparently, the initial plan to exploit Taylor Swift’s celebrity status was part of Melissa Nathan’s strategy, and it seems to have backfired. The statement noted, “Facing scrutiny in federal court, they’ve decided to back down. Eventually, they can’t distract from the real claims of harassment and retaliation they’re dealing with.”
A source familiar with the situation mentioned, “If information is voluntarily given, there’s no need for a subpoena.” Swift’s team hasn’t commented on the matter yet. After being summoned on May 10, a spokesperson for Swift denied her involvement in the film “It Ends With Us,” stating her only connection is a licensing agreement for her song “My Tears Ricochet,” which appeared in the trailer.
Swift’s representative emphasized that she had no involvement with the film beyond licensing. “She didn’t participate in any cast or creative decisions, and she didn’t even see the final cut of the film.” They also criticized how the legal strategy seemed more about garnering headlines than the facts at stake.
Lively initially filed a lawsuit against Bardoni and film producer Jamie Heath, citing sexual harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress, after a complaint was lodged with California’s Civil Rights Office and later escalated to federal court. Bardoni responded with a substantial $400 million lawsuit, claiming defamation by Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
Lively’s legal team has suggested that her relationship with Swift could be leveraged to pressure Bardoni. During the film’s production, disagreements arose over script changes that Lively wanted. Bardoni remarked on feeling pressured even while discussing the project in her home. His allegations depict a sense of coercion from Lively and Reynolds, despite his initial willingness to collaborate.
Lively, in her lengthy counter-responses, referred to Swift and Reynolds as “dragons” who have provided her protection, emphasizing their creative influence and support. She expressed gratitude for their role in her life, contrasting it with her own insecurities in navigating the industry.
Currently, the legal battle is set to go to trial in March 2026, with tensions between the parties remaining high as they navigate this complex situation.
