On May 1, Ryan Reynolds assisted the esteemed rock band Green Day in commemorating their new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a touching speech highlighting their musical influence. Following the event, the Deadpool actor approached some eager fans for autographs, where a photographer from the crowd began bombarding him with inquiries about his connection with Taylor Swift‘s boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, who had recently seemed to unfollow Reynolds on Instagram. Despite the persistent questioning, Reynolds chose to disregard the queries and eventually moved away.
Kelce’s apparent social media snub is the latest development in the seemingly deepening rift between Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively, and Swift, her longtime bestie. In December 2024, Lively sued her It Ends with Us director Justin Baldoni over claims of sexual harassment; he countersued Lively and Reynolds for defamation. Swift was dragged into the case when Baldoni claimed in court docs that Lively used her superstar pal to persuade him to allow script changes to the movie. Now, Swift — who will be subpoenaed for a trial set to begin next March — is keeping her distance from Lively. “Taylor and Blake have talked, but it’s strained,” says an insider, adding that they’re no longer speaking on a regular basis. “Their friendship is not what it used to be.”
Different Pages
Lively, aged 37, and Swift, aged 35, have shared a close bond since 2015; Swift plays the role of godmother to three out of Lively’s four children (the couple share daughters James, aged 10, Inez, aged 8, and Betty, aged 5, and son Olin, aged 2). The friendship expanded when Kelce, also 35, entered the scene in July 2023, leading to the formation of a strong connection between the two couples. Last year, Lively and Reynolds, aged 48, accompanied Swift and Kelce to the singer’s lavish $17 million beach house in Rhode Island, and the group went on a double date at The Corner Store in NYC in October 2024. A source mentioned, “Taylor and Blake have always been close, but now they are engaging in many activities together as couples.”
Swift’s name has been frequently mentioned in relation to Lively’s legal dispute with Baldoni, aged 41. In legal filings, Baldoni alleged that he was caught off guard during a meeting at Lively and Reynolds’ penthouse in NYC with Swift present; in subsequent text exchanges, Lively likened herself to Khaleesi from Game of Thrones and referred to Swift as one of her “dragons.” An insider disclosed, “Taylor is feeling uneasy about being dragged into this legal battle. It has now become a significant issue. Her friendship with Blake is under strain.” Another source added, “Taylor was taken aback by being mentioned in professional communications sent to Blake’s agent and being embroiled in this controversy.”
For a time, they weren’t speaking at all. “They needed space,” says a Lively source, noting that Swift — who wrapped her Eras Tour in December 2024 — “was trying to decompress and enjoy her time off.” (Swift’s been keeping a low profile since Kelce’s Super Bowl loss. They snuck out for a quiet date night at Del Frisco’s Grille in NYC on March 14, and in late April, a solo Kelce headed to Vegas to play in Justin Timberlake’s annual celebrity golf tournament. The pair were spotted on Sunday, May 12, in Philadelphia.) Adds the first insider, “Taylor doesn’t want to be in the spotlight [right now].”
While the second insider notes that Swift “isn’t worried about the subpoenas,” she is trying to steer clear of the headline-making court case. (In addition to Swift, Reynolds’ good friend and Deadpool vs. Wolverine costar Hugh Jackman may reportedly be subpoenaed.) “Taylor’s biggest issue seems to be protecting herself emotionally and legally,” says the first insider. “She’s always been someone who values loyalty, and right now, she’s navigating how to preserve that while also setting boundaries in a complicated, high-stakes situation.”
It’s been hard for both women. “Blake was one of Taylor’s closest friends, and any shift in a tight bond like that is bound to hurt,” says the insider, noting that for Swift, it’s less about not trusting Lively and more about feeling uncertain in the wake of everything that’s happened. While the actress appeared to be in good spirits while recently promoting Another Simple Favor, the Lively source says she’s still “devastated by everything that’s happened in the last two years, including coming forward and the repercussions of filing the suit.”
After news broke that Swift would be subpoenaed, a representative for the pop star slammed Baldoni’s lawyers for involving her.
“Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie, she was not involved in any casting or creative decisions, she did not score the film, she never saw an edit or made any notes on the film,” the rep said in a statement to Us on Friday, May 9. “She did not even see It Ends With Us until weeks after its public release, and was traveling around the globe during 2023 and 2024 headlining the biggest tour in history.”
The statement continued, “The connection Taylor had to this film was permitting the use of one song, ‘My Tears Ricochet.’ Given that her involvement was licensing a song for the film, which 19 other artists also did, this document subpoena is designed to use Taylor Swift’s name to draw public interest by creating tabloid clickbait instead of focusing on the facts of the case.”
Making Amends
Lively has apologized to Swift for causing her unnecessary stress. “Taylor and Blake have spoken, and Blake [said she’s sorry],” says the first insider, noting that Swift isn’t holding a grudge. “Taylor is very forgiving, and in her eyes, she still considers Blake a friend. But the lawsuit is still ongoing, and until it’s resolved, [things are] difficult.” Lively is trying to stay positive. “Blake has considered Taylor a sister for many years,” says the Lively source. “They are on OK terms now, but the friendship is still wounded. She’s hopeful they’ll get back to how they were in due time.”
For more on Lively and Swift, watch the exclusive video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.
