If you’ve spent any time on the internet over the last decade, you probably remember the "Squad" era. Taylor Swift and Blake Lively were the blueprint for Hollywood besties. They were inseparable. From the iconic 2016 Fourth of July party at Taylor's Rhode Island mansion to Blake directing Taylor’s music videos, they weren't just friends; they were practically family. Taylor is literally the godmother to Blake and Ryan’s kids.
But things look a lot different in 2026.
Honestly, the silence is deafening. Fans have been spiraling for months asking the same question: why aren't blake and taylor friends anymore? While there hasn't been a dramatic "I hate you" Instagram post—Taylor is way too calculated for that—the evidence of a massive fallout is everywhere. We're talking about subpoenas, leaked legal documents, and a complete lack of public support during some of the biggest moments in their respective careers.
It wasn't a single fight. It was a slow-motion car crash involving a controversial movie, a messy legal battle, and some very weird text messages.
The It Ends With Us Disaster That Ruined Everything
The fracture didn't start with Taylor; it started with Blake’s 2024 film It Ends With Us. While the movie was a box office hit, the behind-the-scenes drama was a total nightmare. Blake was locked in a power struggle with her director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. By the time 2025 rolled around, that tension had exploded into a full-blown legal war.
Here is where it gets messy for Taylor.
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In legal filings that surfaced in early 2025, Baldoni’s team alleged that Blake used her "high-profile friends" to intimidate him on set. Specifically, a text message leaked where Blake reportedly referred to her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and Taylor Swift as her "dragons." She allegedly told Baldoni that her "dragons" protect those she fights for.
Basically, it looked like Blake was using Taylor’s massive social and cultural power as a weapon in a workplace dispute.
Taylor is famously protective of her brand. She spends millions making sure she is seen as a self-made titan who stays out of petty drama. Being name-dropped in a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit as someone's "dragon" or "enforcer" is pretty much the last thing she wanted. Insiders told People back in May 2025 that Taylor "wants no part in this drama" and that the friendship had officially "halted."
Why the Subpoena Was the Final Straw
If the "dragon" comments were embarrassing, the legal reality was worse. Because Blake had allegedly involved Taylor in creative meetings—including one at Blake’s New York penthouse (which she reportedly calls "Buckingham Palace")—Baldoni’s lawyers actually issued a subpoena to Taylor Swift.
Imagine being the biggest pop star on the planet, in the middle of a massive tour and a high-profile relationship with Travis Kelce, and you get dragged into a $400 million lawsuit because your friend couldn't get along with her director.
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Taylor’s legal team was reportedly furious. Her reps eventually released a statement saying she didn't even see the movie until weeks after it came out, distancing her from the project entirely. By August 2025, sources confirmed the two "aren't speaking." It's a classic case of boundaries. Taylor has spent her whole career trying to control her narrative. Having that narrative hijacked by a friend’s legal mess is, for someone like Taylor, a betrayal of trust.
The Clues in the Music: Is Cancelled About Blake?
You know Taylor never lets a good grudge go to waste without writing a bridge about it. When her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, dropped, fans immediately started dissecting the tracks. Two songs in particular, "Ruin the Friendship" and "Cancelled," have been linked to the Lively fallout.
"Cancelled" features some pretty pointed lyrics about a "jealous friend with a silver screen smile" who "traded secrets for a spotlight."
- The Imagery: The song mentions someone "using my name like a shield."
- The Timeline: The track was written during the height of the It Ends With Us press tour backlash.
- The Aesthetics: During her promo for the song, Taylor was spotted wearing jewelry that looked remarkably similar to pieces Blake wore at her movie premiere—a classic Taylor "Easter egg" that some interpret as a subtle middle finger.
Some fans argue they are still secret friends, citing the jewelry as proof of support. But honestly? If they were good, Taylor would have been at Blake’s side. She wasn't. She also reportedly banned any mention of Blake or Ryan Reynolds during her 2025 press tour. That’s not what best friends do.
The New Inner Circle: Enter Brittany Mahomes
Celebrity friendships are often about proximity. While Blake used to be the one in the VIP tent at the Eras Tour, that spot has been filled by a new cast of characters.
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Since Taylor started dating Travis Kelce, her "best friend" role seems to have shifted toward Brittany Mahomes. They are constantly photographed together in suites, at dinners, and on vacation. According to Page Six, Blake has found it "difficult to adjust" to being sidelined.
It makes sense. Blake and Ryan are a "power couple" brand. They are used to being the main characters. Being relegated to the "former friend" category while a new WAG takes the spotlight has to sting. There’s also the Ryan Reynolds factor. Rumors have swirled that Travis Kelce and Ryan Reynolds don't exactly vibe, which makes double dates pretty much impossible.
What This Means for the Future
Are they "never ever getting back together"? Probably not. Hollywood is a small town and they share too many mutual friends. But the "Auntie Taylor" era where she’s babysitting Blake’s kids seems to be on a permanent hiatus.
If you’re looking for a lesson in all this celebrity gossip, it’s about the danger of mixing business with friendship. Blake allegedly used Taylor’s name to gain leverage in a professional dispute, and Taylor—who treats her name like a billion-dollar corporation—wasn't having it.
Next steps for keeping up with the fallout:
- Keep an eye on the Wayfarer Studios lawsuit scheduled for March 2026; if Taylor is forced to testify, expect things to get even colder.
- Watch for the 2026 Met Gala guest list—if they both attend and don't take a photo together, the "death of the friendship" is officially confirmed.
- Monitor Ryan Reynolds' social media; he usually uses humor to deflect, but his silence on Taylor lately has been uncharacteristically loud.
The "dragon" might have officially left the cave.