Taylor Swift has stepped down as godmother to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' daughters, according to sources close to the singer. The decision, described as one of the toughest Swift has ever made, comes after Lively became embroiled in a contentious lawsuit.
Insiders told the Daily Mail that Swift felt she had "no choice" but to "remove herself" from the role after her decade-long friendship with Lively was reportedly severed beyond repair. The emotional decision was made a few months ago, with Swift's husband, Travis Kelce, affirming that it was the "right thing to do" given the circumstances.
Swift had taken her godparent duties seriously, sharing milestones with Lively and her children—James, Inez, and Betty. She had previously confirmed her godparent title in a July 2024 Instagram post referencing Reynolds' Deadpool character and mentioned the children's names in her 2020 album "Folklore." Reynolds had also confirmed her role in an August 2021 interview, noting the positive impact of her public acknowledgment.
The friendship's fracture is believed to stem from Lively's lawsuit against her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni, filed in December 2024, which alleged sexual harassment and a smear campaign. Baldoni responded with a $400 million countersuit, accusing Lively and Reynolds of attempting to tarnish his reputation and claiming Lively used her connection with Swift to gain control of the film.
Unsealed text messages presented in Baldoni's filing appeared to show Lively enlisting Swift's support for a revised script, with Swift allegedly responding, "I'll do anything for you!!" The messages also suggested Swift referred to Baldoni with a derogatory term and discussed strategic approaches to the film's marketing, prompting Swift's spokesperson to previously insist she had no creative involvement.
Sources indicated that Swift found it unhealthy and unrealistic to maintain a close relationship with the children while having virtually no relationship with their parents. She believes stepping away is the most respectful path forward for everyone involved, especially the children. Despite the current estrangement, Swift reportedly hopes that the children will be free to reconnect with her once they are adults and able to make their own decisions.
Lively and Swift are believed to have grown close around 2015, and their friendship encompassed shared personal and professional milestones. However, the fallout from the legal disputes has now led to a significant shift in their relationship and Swift's role in the lives of Lively and Reynolds' children.