Newly unsealed legal documents in the ongoing Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni lawsuit have drawn global attention not only to the high-stakes Hollywood legal battle but to private text exchanges involving pop superstar Taylor Swift and actress Blake Lively, including a text in which Swift allegedly referred to Baldoni using a derogatory term.
The messages made public as part of court filings in the dispute tied to the 2024 film It Ends With Us show Swift writing to Lively in December 2024, “I think this bitch knows something is coming because he’s gotten out his tiny violin,” in reference to Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the film.
The lawsuit, originally filed by Lively in late 2024, accuses Baldoni and others associated with It Ends With Us of sexual harassment, retaliation, emotional distress, and related workplace misconduct during production, allegations Baldoni has denied.
According to the court document, which Lively’s lawyers filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Swift wrote, “I think this bitch knows something is coming because he’s gotten out his tiny violin.”
In the motion, Lively’s lawyers confirmed the quoted language but disputed the defense’s assertion that it was said while Swift and Lively were discussing on Dec. 4 and 5, 2024, a forthcoming New York Times article that reported that Baldoni and the CEO of Wayfarer had launched a “retaliatory ‘smear campaign’” against Lively.
Among the newly disclosed exchanges are texts between Lively and Swift that depict a candid behind-the-scenes communication about the production and legal strategy. In another message, Swift allegedly told Lively, “I’ll do anything for you!!” when asked about supporting Lively’s proposed script adjustments, though Swift’s team has previously stated she was not involved in the filmmaking beyond licensing her song My Tears Ricochet for the soundtrack.
Lively’s legal team argues the messages are relevant to the case, while Baldoni’s lawyers have pointed to the texts as part of their push to show broader context around Lively’s claims. The unsealed documents also include sharp criticisms of Baldoni from Lively and other cast members, reflecting deep tensions and disagreements during production.
The legal battle continues to unfold, with trial proceedings scheduled for May 2026, and the disclosures have energized social media and public debate, blurring lines between celebrity, friendship, workplace conduct, and the courtroom’s role in adjudicating both
