Rumors have been swirling about the rift between Blake Lively and Taylor Swift amidst the It Ends With Us drama. And now, with newly released texts, the Blake Lively and Taylor Swift relationship ‘shift’ is explained in more detail.
On January 20, an excerpt of a private text chain between the longtime friends was released before a summary judgment hearing in Lively’s ongoing legal battle with movie director and co-star Justin Baldoni, over allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. In the texts, the two friends talk about their relationship shift.
“I have no reason to ask, but I dunno [sic], I’ve been feeling like I should… is everything ok?” Lively started the exchange on December 4. “I felt like a bad friend lately because I was such a sad sack who only talked about my own s*** for months. You were generous to not only be the key person there for me during all of it, but also to let me off the hook for being so in it.”
Lively continued, noting that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, advised her to voice her concerns to Swift. “I always want the opportunity to be a better friend if there’s something I unintentionally did. I know how busy and taxed you are — physically, emotionally, practically, so I don’t expect any more from you ever. Just want to make sure all is good.”
Swift replied an hour later, saying that Lively was “not wrong” but also added that “it’s also not a big deal.”
“I think I’m just exhausted in every avenue of my life and in recent months had been feeling a little bit of a shift in the way you talk to me,” Swift replied. “Yes, there has been a lot of Justin stuff but I’ve been through things like this before and I know how all consuming it is.”
“It’s more like… and I feel really bad saying anything about this because your texts have so nice in their intent but your last few… it’s felt like I was reading a mass corporate email sent to 200 employees,” Swift continued in the text chain. “It feels awful to be in any way critical of any way you process what you’ve been going through but I just kinda miss my funny, dark, normal-speaking friend who talks to me as herself.”
Although Swift expressed sympathy for Lively’s situation as she navigated legal and public hurdles. “I know you feel attacked from all sides for ridiculous reasons, so you’re feeling like you have to overly explain things… but it’s me. That’s just caused a little distance. And you don’t need to apologize. Just come back, please.”
Lively playful formatted her next message as a professional email blast before addressing her friend’s concerns, saying, “Thank you for your feedback. We at headquarters are reviewing your concerns and will get back to you in a timely manner. For real, though. You’re right.”
“I’ve become digitally paranoid. I’ve been texting like I’m writing. Not like me talking. I didn’t realize that until you pointed it out, but I see it. On top of that, I’m over packaging simple things bc I’ve felt so deeply misunderstood that I don’t trust my judgement of myself anymore…”
Swift kept it light, replying with, “First paragraph took me OUT.”
In December 2024, Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and lost wages three months later.
Baldoni denied any wrongdoing and responded with a $400 million countersuit, accusing Lively and Reynolds of defamation, as well as a lawsuit accusing the New York Times, which was the first outlet to report on the lawsuit, of libel.
The countersuit was dismissed in 2025; however, the lawsuit is still ongoing.