Judge Blocks Justin Baldoni's Last-Minute Bid to Question Taylor Swift in Harassment Trial

Federal Judge Denies Justin Baldoni's Last-Minute Bid to Depose Taylor Swift A U.S. District Judge has denied a last-minute request by Justin Baldoni to depose Taylor Swift in an upcoming trial over allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation during the filming of "It Ends With Us." The decision, handed down Friday, cited lack of "appropriate diligence" on the part of Baldoni and his co-defendants at Wayfarer Studios. According to court documents, Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Baldoni's team waited too long to seek Swift's deposition, missing their chance. In contrast, the judge granted a 10-day extension for Blake Lively to take depositions from Baldoni and two others, citing delays in producing requested documents as justification. "We're pleased with the court's decision," said Nancy Dillon, a lawyer representing Lively. "Our client deserves the opportunity to present her case without unnecessary obstacles." The trial, set to begin soon, stems from allegations made by Lively against Wayfarer Studios and its executives. The lawsuit claims she was subjected to harassment and retaliation during filming, which began in 2023. Baldoni's team had argued that Swift's preexisting professional obligations prevented her from appearing for a deposition prior to October 20, 2025. However, the judge rejected this claim, stating it did not constitute "good cause" for an extension. The decision has significant implications for the trial, which is expected to shed light on the inner workings of Wayfarer Studios and its treatment of employees. The case has garnered widespread attention in the entertainment industry, with many watching closely as it unfolds. As the trial approaches, experts anticipate a heightened focus on workplace culture and accountability within the film industry. "This case sets an important precedent for addressing harassment and retaliation in the workplace," said employment law expert, Rachel Kim. "We can expect to see more cases like this in the future." The current status of the trial remains uncertain, with both sides preparing for what promises to be a contentious hearing. The next developments will likely come in the form of pre-trial motions and depositions, which are expected to begin soon. In related news, Wayfarer Studios has faced increased scrutiny in recent months over allegations of misconduct and poor working conditions on set. The studio's response to these claims has been met with skepticism by many in the industry, who see the trial as an opportunity for accountability and reform. As the case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the entertainment industry and its treatment of employees. *Reporting by Rollingstone.*