Hollywood Stars Drawn into Explosive Legal Battle Over Film Set Confrontation
In a stunning development in the ongoing legal drama surrounding the film 'It Ends With Us', newly revealed court documents claim that global superstars Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman were present during a heated confrontation between Ryan Reynolds and Justin Baldoni concerning comments about Blake Lively's weight.
The explosive allegations surfaced from unsealed court filings that detail an emotional confrontation that took place on April 25, 2023 at Reynolds and Lively's New York City penthouse. According to a July 2024 communication from the production house co-founder, Reynolds "unloaded" on Baldoni for what was characterized as fat-shaming of his wife.
The Night That Sparked a Multi-Million Dollar Legal War
Court documents paint a dramatic picture of the evening, stating that Baldoni was "completely embarrassed and apologised and even shared some tears" after Reynolds confronted him. The filing specifically quotes Reynolds as saying: "How dare you f---ing ask about my wife's weight? What's wrong with you?"
What makes this revelation particularly significant is the presence of two Hollywood A-listers. The documents confirm that Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman "were also present in the apt at the time" of the altercation. Both stars have been named in Lively's legal filings as "individuals likely to have discoverable information" about the incident.
However, Swift's representatives have pushed back against her involvement, insisting she had "nothing to do with the film's production beyond licensing one of her songs" and never visited the set. A source close to the singer stated: "Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie … she did not even see 'It Ends With Us' until weeks after its public release."
From Confrontation to Courtroom: The Legal Battle Escalates
The April 2023 confrontation has become the centerpiece of a broader legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni. In December 2024, Lively sued Baldoni and associated parties alleging sexual harassment, retaliation and a coordinated smear campaign following her complaints about his on-set conduct.
Baldoni responded with a counter-suit seeking US$400 million, accusing Lively and Reynolds of defamation and extortion. He claimed the power couple used their "enormous power" to seize creative and financial control of the film.
In a significant legal victory for Lively, a judge dismissed Baldoni's lawsuit in June 2025, ruling that her original harassment allegations constituted legally protected speech and were therefore immune from defamation claims. Despite this setback, Lively's original lawsuit remains active, with trial scheduled for March 2026.
Conflicting Narratives: Body-Shaming vs Filmmaking Concerns
The core of the dispute revolves around dramatically different interpretations of the same events. Lively's legal team argues that Baldoni's comments and behind-the-scenes conduct amounted to body-shaming and created a hostile work environment.
Baldoni's defense presents an entirely different perspective. His legal team insists the question about weight was a benign request to Lively's trainer made solely for safety reasons. They cite Baldoni's lifelong back problems and claim he needed the information to safely rehearse a physically demanding lift scene.
Baldoni's camp portrays the entire legal fight as a "PR battle", accusing Lively and Reynolds of weaponizing their Hollywood clout and celebrity status to manipulate public perception.
High Stakes and Massive Financial Claims
The legal battle carries enormous consequences for both parties. Lively is seeking damages exceeding US$100 million, citing substantial losses in:
- Acting income and endorsements
- Her beauty and beverage business ventures
- Reputational harm from alleged smear campaigns
For Baldoni, the stakes extend beyond financial considerations to his career, reputation, and the future of his production house. His defense maintains that legitimate filmmaking concerns have been distorted into allegations of misconduct.
Countdown to Trial: What Happens Next?
With the March 2026 trial date approaching, attention now turns to the potential testimony of high-profile witnesses. The possibility that Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman might be compelled to testify under oath adds a dramatic new dimension to the case.
Their accounts could prove crucial in determining how the jury views the broader claims about workplace conduct, harassment allegations, reputation damage, and the power dynamics on set. As court proceedings continue and discovery unfolds, all eyes will remain on upcoming depositions and whether Hollywood's biggest stars will be forced to take the stand in one of entertainment's most watched legal battles.
