Why Blake Lively Wasn’t at the Super Bowl with Taylor Swift: ‘Taylor Feels Manipulated’

Taylor Swift and Blake Lively have been close friends for over a decade, often seen supporting each other’s personal and professional milestones. But a significant indicator of the current state of their friendship was Lively’s absence from the 2025 Super Bowl, an event they attended together in 2024.

This year, Swift went to the game with friends like Ice Spice, but Lively was notably absent. Reports suggest that Blake chose not to attend to avoid overshadowing Swift’s experience, given Lively’s legal dispute with «It Ends With Us» co-star and director Justin Baldoni.

In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni responded with a $400 million countersuit, accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion. The legal battle has intensified, with Baldoni’s legal team suggesting that Lively’s associates, including Taylor Swift, might be deposed due to their involvement in the production of «It Ends With Us.»

According to TMZ, Taylor Swift is believed to think that Lively has «manipulated» her in relation to the Baldoni case.

«Taylor believed Blake timed her meeting with Justin so that Taylor would arrive before he left, and she is baffled by Blake later referring to her as one of her ‘dragons.’ ‘It’s weird to say that about a friend,’ TMZ reports, citing conversations with the aforementioned source.»

Lively reportedly sent a text to Baldoni, saying, “If you ever decide to watch ‘Game of Thrones,’ you’ll understand that I’m Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons,” according to his amended complaint.

“For better or worse, but mostly for better, because my dragons protect those I stand by. So in the end, we all benefit from these magnificent creatures of mine. You will too, I promise.” This is a message that is said to have upset Swift, as it was understood that she is one of those ‘dragons’ who would come to support her in such a situation.

An exclusive source told Page Six:  “Taylor really wishes Blake hadn’t involved her in this entire mess.”

The two have been friends for years, and Taylor values true friendships, but “she can’t help but feel used at this point,” the insider shared. Swift “wants to stay out of this drama as much as possible», the Page Six source stated.

The public nature of this dispute has reportedly affected Swift and Lively’s friendship. Sources indicate that Swift feels «used» by Lively, particularly concerning the involvement of her name in the legal proceedings. An insider mentioned that Swift «wants to keep out of this drama as much as possible,» highlighting the strain on their relationship.