Taylor Swift to Be Called as Hostile Witness in Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Trial

Pop superstar’s involvement in legal dispute confirmed as defense prepares to question her testimony under oath

Breaking Developments:

• Taylor Swift will be summoned as hostile witness if Lively-Baldoni case reaches trial
• Text messages reveal Swift’s active involvement in dispute, contradicting earlier claims
• Trial scheduled for May 2025 with Swift expected to face aggressive questioning

Hostile Witness Designation

Taylor Swift may have avoided depositions in Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, but she will definitely be called as a witness by Baldoni if the case goes to trial, TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge revealed that given the now-clear involvement of Taylor Swift in the ongoing dispute between Baldoni and Lively, the singer will be called to the stand to inform the jury.

Additionally, sources indicate Baldoni will call Swift as a hostile witness. This designation means Taylor clearly had a bias against Baldoni, allowing his attorney, Bryan Freedman, to put her under intense questioning by asking leading questions.

Text Message Evidence

TMZ broke the story that new documents in the case show Swift was deeply involved in the dispute between Baldoni and Lively, clearly siding with Blake. It appears undeniable that the story Taylor’s team was promoting—that she had no involvement and was actually ambushed during a New York City penthouse confrontation between Lively and Baldoni—is false.

Taylor at one point texted Blake, “If Justin was strategic, he would be like no Taylor Swift in the trailer because that gives you more power over the film, that’s your ally not his.”

Deposition Revelations

Lively stated in her deposition, “I sent Taylor the script on her way to my apartment because Justin was still there, and I asked her to read them…” Taylor responded in text, “I’ll do anything for you!”

In early December 2024, following the now-famous New York Times exposé, Taylor texted, “I think this bitch knows something is coming because he’s gotten out his tiny violin.”

Legal Strategy Update

A source connected to Justin’s legal team tells TMZ that it would be next to impossible to serve Taylor with a summons, and the text messages speak for themselves, so they won’t need her as a witness.

However, this conflicts with earlier reports indicating she would definitely be called if the case proceeds to trial.

Trial Timeline

The trial is set for May 2025.

Hostile Witness Implications

The hostile witness designation carries significant legal implications. Unlike friendly witnesses who cannot be asked leading questions, hostile witnesses face more aggressive examination tactics. Freedman will be permitted to use leading questions—those that suggest their own answers—to challenge Swift’s testimony and credibility.

This approach allows attorneys to control the narrative more effectively when questioning witnesses perceived as biased against their client.

Contradicting Earlier Claims

The revealed text messages directly contradict Swift’s team’s earlier narrative that she was uninvolved in the dispute. The documentary evidence shows active participation in strategizing with Lively regarding Baldoni, including discussions about Swift’s potential involvement in film promotional materials and pointed commentary about Baldoni’s awareness of impending public scrutiny.

Celebrity Involvement Impact

Swift’s involvement adds significant public attention to an already high-profile legal battle between two entertainment industry figures. Her status as one of the world’s most famous entertainers means her courtroom testimony would attract extraordinary media coverage and public interest.

The case itself involves serious allegations stemming from Lively and Baldoni’s work together on a film project, with disputes regarding conduct, professional relationships, and media narratives.

Legal Team Considerations

Baldoni’s legal team appears confident that the text message evidence alone demonstrates Swift’s involvement and bias, potentially reducing the necessity of her live testimony for evidentiary purposes. However, calling her as a hostile witness serves additional strategic purposes beyond simple evidence presentation—including challenging her credibility and narrative directly before a jury.

Upcoming Proceedings

As the May trial date approaches, both legal teams will continue preparation, with Swift’s potential testimony representing one of the most anticipated aspects of the proceedings. Her appearance would mark a rare instance of the notoriously private superstar being compelled to testify under oath in a legal proceeding not directly involving her own interests.

The hostile witness designation signals that Freedman intends to aggressively question Swift about her communications with Lively, her motivations for involvement, and the accuracy of previous statements made by her representatives regarding her role in the dispute.

Whether Swift will ultimately take the stand depends on whether the case proceeds to trial or reaches settlement before May—but if it does go forward, her testimony under hostile examination promises to be among the most scrutinized moments of the proceedings.