The 2025 Super Bowl was a star-studded event, with celebrities flocking to New Orleans to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles. Taylor Swift, who has been dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, was in attendance, cheering on her boyfriend from a luxurious suite at the Caesars Superdome. However, one notable absence from her star-studded group was her longtime friend, Blake Lively. Last year, Swift and Lively had attended the Super Bowl together, enjoying the game from their VIP suite alongside other celebrities like Ice Spice, Lana Del Rey, and the Haim sisters. This year, though, Lively was nowhere to be found, and the reason for her absence has sparked plenty of buzz among fans and media alike.
The rift between Swift and Lively appears to stem from Lively’s ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director from the film It Ends With Us. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni has since countersued, alleging that Lively attempted to intimidate him by involving Swift in a key meeting related to the case. According to Baldoni’s legal team, Swift may soon be deposed as part of the lawsuit, as she was reportedly present during a discussion that has become central to the case. This has left Swift feeling “used” by her friend, according to a source close to the situation, who told Page Six that Swift wishes Lively had not dragged her into the legal drama.
The alleged tension between Swift and Lively has surprised many, as the two have been close friends for years. Swift, known for cherishing her friendships, has been a steadfast supporter of Lively’s career, often celebrating her successes and standing by her during challenging times. However, the current situation has reportedly left Swift feeling uncomfortable and caught in the middle. A source revealed that Swift wants to “keep out of this drama as much as possible,” highlighting her desire to avoid getting entangled in the messy legal battle. Despite this, the possibility of her being deposed has cast a shadow over her friendship with Lively, leaving fans wondering if their relationship will ever be the same.
The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni has been making headlines for months, with both sides presenting very different accounts of what transpired. Lively has accused Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment, while Baldoni has countersued, claiming that Lively attempted to leverage her influence and celebrity connections to intimidate him. In his amended complaint, Baldoni included text messages he claims Lively sent him, in which she refers to Swift and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, as her “dragons.” “If you ever get around to watching Game of Thrones,” Lively allegedly wrote, “you’ll appreciate that I’m Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons. For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really, we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. You will too, I can promise you.”
These texts, if authentic, suggest that Lively may have used her high-profile connections as a way to assert her power and influence over Baldoni during their disputes. While Lively has not publicly commented on the specifics of the case, her legal team has denied the allegations, maintaining that she acted professionally and appropriately throughout their interactions. Regardless, the inclusion of Swift in Baldoni’s complaint has brought the singer into the spotlight, much to her apparent dismay. Swift has been vocal about supporting her friends and standing up for what she believes is right, but in this case, it seems she is eager to distance herself from the drama.
For Swift, this situation marks a rare moment of conflict in an otherwise tight-knit circle of friends. Known for her loyalty and dedication to those she cares about, Swift has often gone out of her way to support her friends’ projects and celebrate their successes. For instance, she has been a vocal supporter of Zoë Kravitz’s work, even promoting her film Blink Twice on social media. However, when it comes to It Ends With Us, a film inspired by Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel about domestic violence, Swift has been noticeably silent. While she did lend her 2020 song “My Tears Ricochet” to the film’s soundtrack, she did not publicly promote the movie when it was released in August 2024. This decision to keep a low profile may have been her way of avoiding getting drawn into the controversy surrounding the film and its cast.
As the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues to unfold, all eyes are on Swift to see how she will navigate this delicate situation. Her friendship with Lively has been a subject of fascination for fans over the years, and this recent development has left many wondering if the two will be able to repair their relationship once the dust settles. For now, Swift seems to be focusing on her own life and career, including her highly successful Eras Tour, which has been breaking records and thrilling fans around the world. While it’s unclear how this situation will resolve, one thing is certain: Taylor Swift will continue to prioritize her genuine friendships and avoid getting entangled in unnecessary drama whenever possible. As for Lively and Baldoni, only time will tell if they can find a resolution to their legal woes. Until then, the entertainment world will be watching closely, eager to see how this high-profile feud plays out.
