AceShowbiz - While the music world's sweetheart, Taylor Swift, is known for her unwavering loyalty to close friends, rumor has it that she is now stepping back from her long-time friendship with Blake Lively.

Swift, 35, is reportedly distancing herself from Lively, 37, amidst a dramatic and highly-publicized legal dispute between Lively and her "It Ends With Us" co-star/director Justin Baldoni, 40. Swift has been dragged into the feud after Baldoni alleged that Lively used Swift as an "intimidation tactic" during a script discussion in January 2024.

Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit claims that Swift's unexpected presence at a meeting with Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds, pressured him to comply with Lively's script revisions. In a series of now-infamous text messages, Lively likened herself to "Game of Thrones" heroine Khaleesi, referring to Reynolds and Swift as her "dragons." This move was seen by many, including Swift's inner circle, as "uncool and unnecessary."

According to an insider, "Taylor is taking a step back from Blake because she doesn't want to get tangled in this more than she already has - which is far more than she ever needed to be." This seems to be a strategic maneuver to protect Swift's meticulously crafted public image.

Lively's feud with Baldoni escalated when she accused him of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. Both parties have since sued each other, insisting they possessed evidence to support their claims.

Baldoni released a behind-the-scenes footage from the set to show the filming of a romantic scene between him and Lively. His legal team said the video disproved her allegations of unwanted touching while her lawyers claimed otherwise.

Lively filed a gag order against Baldoni, but his team opposed her request. A voice recording then leaked, featuring Baldoni apologizing to Lively.

Fans noticed Swift's conspicuous silence on social media regarding Lively's turmoil. Historically, Swift has publicly supported Lively's endeavors, but her current silence added fuel to her alleged intent to distance herself from the growing controversy.

This ordeal may mark a significant shift in one of Hollywood's most high-profile friendships. Swift, who just concluded a record-breaking leg of her Eras Tour, is allegedly prioritizing her image and career over embroiling herself in Lively's legal challenges.

"Taylor's an absolute stickler for her image. She's worked long and hard to build up her reputation, and if things continue to get worse, she'll have no choice but to fully walk away," another source told Woman's Day Australia.

As the legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni rages on, only time will tell if their friendship with Taylor Swift can weather the storm.