Blake Lively finds solace in family as a storm brews in both courtrooms and celebrity circles. With her relationship with Taylor Swift reportedly on pause, and a high-profile legal battle with Justin Baldoni underway, the actress turns to her sisters for support and solidarity.
On a breezy Friday night in New York City, Blake Lively appeared all smiles as she posed for a selfie alongside her sisters, Robyn and Lori Lively, during a girls’ night out. The actress took to Instagram Stories to share the joyful moment, showcasing the trio at the International Center of Photography, where they attended the opening of a new exhibit by Blake’s close friends and photographers, Anna Palma and Guy Aroch.
Dressed in effortless New York chic and framed by a colorful artistic backdrop, Blake stood arm-in-arm with her siblings — a visual testament to the power of sisterhood. But behind the smiles and soft lighting was a shadow of deeper tension, as the outing came just days after reports emerged that Lively’s friendship with Taylor Swift had come to a dramatic halt, allegedly due to the actress’s escalating legal dispute with director Justin Baldoni.
A friendship in the freeze frame
For years, Blake Lively and Taylor Swift were one of Hollywood’s most beloved and unexpectedly wholesome celebrity pairings. Known for family vacations, concert appearances, and social media shoutouts, the two forged a bond that seemed unshakable. However, insiders now claim the friendship has hit a pause — or, in more pointed terms, “halted.”
An anonymous source reportedly told People magazine, “Their friendship has halted. Taylor wants no part in this drama.” While the quote made headlines, the source clarified that the two are “not no longer friends,” suggesting that while the connection hasn’t completely dissolved, it has been severely strained by recent events.
Central to the tension is Lively’s ongoing legal battle with Baldoni, which unexpectedly pulled Swift’s name into the spotlight. On May 8, Baldoni’s legal team subpoenaed the global pop icon, sparking backlash and confusion. Swift’s representatives quickly pushed back, calling the move baseless and irrelevant, and emphasizing that Taylor had no role in the production of It Ends With Us, the film at the center of Lively’s allegations.
The subpoena that sparked a storm
At the heart of the controversy is Blake Lively’s accusation that Justin Baldoni, her co-star and the director of It Ends With Us, sexually harassed her on set. The lawsuit, filed in December 2024, alleges inappropriate conduct and hostile working conditions during filming. Baldoni has denied all allegations and, in response, filed a $400 million countersuit in January 2025 against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their longtime publicist Leslie Sloane, citing defamation and extortion.
In what seemed like an escalating tit-for-tat, Baldoni’s team subpoenaed Taylor Swift, presumably to question her about her proximity to Lively during the alleged events. Swift’s camp, however, immediately issued a statement making clear that she had “never set foot on the set” of the film, had no creative input, and had not even seen the movie until weeks after its release.
“She was not involved in any casting or production decisions,” her rep said. “She was touring globally throughout 2023 and 2024 — headlining the biggest tour in history.” The statement served as a line in the sand, indicating that Swift would not be pulled into legal theatrics surrounding a film she had nothing to do with — and, perhaps, no longer wants to be emotionally linked to.
Blake’s bold defense
Unwilling to stay silent in the face of what she sees as harassment by proxy, Blake Lively’s own spokesperson released a statement condemning Baldoni and his legal team’s tactics. “The defendants continue to publicly intimidate, bully, shame and attack women’s rights and reputations,” the statement read, highlighting what Blake views as an effort to weaponize the legal system against survivors and their allies.
The spokesperson went further, accusing Baldoni’s team of recently attempting to overturn California’s victims’ rights legislation, calling such legal maneuvering “disturbing.” The remarks painted a picture of a battle that stretches beyond two celebrities — one that touches on issues of systemic power, women’s autonomy, and public accountability.
While the trial is not slated to begin until March 2026, both sides are clearly preparing for a legal marathon — and Lively, once the reluctant plaintiff, now appears ready to fight on principle. “This is about more than Hollywood,” one source close to her team remarked. “It’s about setting a precedent.”
Holding tight to family
Amid the chaos and the headlines, Blake Lively has chosen to surround herself with her constants: her sisters and her children. The photo she shared from the art gallery opening wasn’t just about a fun night out — it was a message. In a world where fame can turn fickle and friendships fragile, family remains her fortress.
Her sisters, Lori and Robyn, both entertainers themselves, have long been supportive figures in her life. Lori, 58, is a seasoned actress and acting coach, while Robyn, 53, is best known for her roles in Teen Witch and Doogie Howser, M.D.. Their presence by Blake’s side during this highly publicized time speaks volumes.
Lively, a mother of four, has always emphasized the importance of privacy and grounding. With public support from her husband Ryan Reynolds, who has remained relatively silent on the ongoing lawsuit, and a close-knit family by her side, she’s navigating the storm with grace — at least publicly.
What’s next for Blake?
With the legal battle looming and her once-public friendship with Taylor Swift now on ice, Blake Lively is at a turning point. Her next public moves — be it onscreen or in court — will no doubt shape how she is perceived in both the media and the entertainment industry at large.
Still, fans and followers remain captivated by her resilience. While she may no longer be posting beach selfies with Taylor or attending star-studded events arm-in-arm, Blake’s story has shifted — from celebrity muse to cultural combatant. And in the flickering light of art gallery spotlights and courtroom subpoenas, one thing is clear: Blake Lively is not backing down. She’s rewriting her narrative — on her own terms.
