How Taylor Swift and Blake Lively's A-list pals could be forced to pick sides after 10-year friendship ends

Daily Mail​

18-05-2025

The fallout between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively has fans speculating about how their A-list inner circle will divide.
The pop superstar, 35, ended her longtime friendship with the Gossip Girl actress, 37, after Blake threatened to leak private texts unless Taylor publicly supported her in her escalating legal feud with It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni.
Now, speculation is swirling around the stars who've long orbited both women—from their girl squad of Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and Karlie Kloss to Hollywood heavyweights like Hugh Jackman and Deadpool director Shawn Levy.
Fans are dissecting every detail: who became friends with whom first, who vacationed together, who's been publicly supportive, and just how deep those bonds run—think godparent status and past invites to Taylor's exclusive Fourth of July parties.
And of course, all eyes are on whether Taylor's iconic Fourth of July bash at her Rhode Island compound—once the backdrop of her whirlwind romance with Tom Hiddleston—will go on as usual this summer.
With Lively's trial looming and tensions high, DailyMail.com breaks down who in Hollywood is likely to stand with Taylor—and who might stick by Blake.
Gigi Hadid
She was once Blake Lively's 'little sister,' but now it looks like she's riding hard for Team Taylor.
Gigi Hadid's 30th birthday bash in April raised eyebrows when Blake and Ryan were noticeably absent — especially considering Blake once called Gigi 'family' and reposted glowing tributes from her in the past.
In 2023, Gigi gushed about Blake in a birthday post, writing, 'U are a magical friend and mamma... Ur made of all the good stuff like rainbow sprinkles and butter and bourbon whipped creme.'
Blake responded just as sweetly: 'Coparenting with you whether you agree to raise my children or not is one of my life's greatest joys. Love you mama, sister, friend.'
But the tone has shifted.
Not only was Blake absent from Gigi's recent birthday bash — reportedly by design — but an insider claimed, 'She is no longer friends with Blake,' and emphasized, 'She is not, and will never be, one of Blake's "dragons."'
That alleged 'dragon' comment was supposedly part of a shady message from Blake to It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, and it's clearly making the rounds.
Still, Blake and Gigi shared nearly a decade of friendship thanks to Swift, and while it looks like that chapter may be closed, it's not impossible they could rekindle down the line.
For now though, Gigi's loyalty seems crystal clear.
She showed up for Taylor at her Eras Tour — and skipped the Reynolds/Lively crew entirely.
Karlie Kloss
Few friendships have unraveled quite like Taylor and Karlie's.
Once inseparable, the pair walked runways and red carpets side-by-side — even living together for a stretch.
But after 2017, things got murky.
Karlie was seen with Scooter Braun (enemy no. 1 to Taylor's fans), hung out with Kendall Jenner during the height of the Swift-Kardashian war, and skipped Taylor's Fourth of July parties.
Blake, meanwhile, swooped into Karlie's orbit around that time — and the two have remained close ever since.
They're often seen at the same NYC fashion events, sitting front row and hugging like besties.
Blake even 'liked' Karlie's 2024 Met Gala look, fueling speculation that they've stayed solid despite the swirling drama.
Still, Karlie's recent surprise appearance at the Eras Tour in LA turned heads.
She was seated in the stands — not the VIP tent — but her presence was still read as a gesture of goodwill.
Maybe it's her way of quietly making peace with Taylor — or just trying to stay friendly with both sides.
Cara Delevingne
If anyone's tried to stay neutral in the storm, it's Cara Delevingne.
She's been close to Taylor since the Bad Blood days, and even credited Swift with helping her through a breakup by letting her crash at her place.
'She let me live with her,' Cara said in 2024, calling Taylor 'homely' and 'sweet' but admitting she brought a bit of chaos into the singer's life.
More recently, Taylor returned the favor by supporting Cara's run in Cabaret on the West End.
The two also cheered on Travis Kelce together at a Chiefs game in 2023 — and Cara's gone on record saying how happy she is for Taylor: 'There's definitely something very different about them.'
But don't count Blake out of Cara's world either.
The two fashion powerhouses have crossed paths plenty over the years at Met Galas, Paris shows, and private dinners.
In fact, they share a playful, sisterly dynamic that goes back at least a decade.
Sophie Turner
Sophie Turner went from red carpet bestie to custody crisis confidante — and Taylor was there through it all.
When Sophie's messy split from Joe Jonas exploded in 2023, it was Taylor who offered her a shoulder (and an NYC apartment).
The two were suddenly photographed everywhere together, from dinners in Tribeca to girls' nights out with the squad.
Taylor dated Sophie's ex Joe in 2008 and it was later revealed he'd broken up with her during a 27-second phone call after just three months; Taylor and Joe are seen in September 2008
Fans quickly anointed Sophie as an official 'Tay-venger,' with some even calling her Taylor's 'divorce wife.'
But Blake Lively has also had a friendly rapport with Sophie — or at least she used to.
They shared sweet Instagram comments in the past, and Sophie once joked she'd join the Lively-Reynolds family because 'Ryan is my hall pass.'
She also sat at Blake's table during the 2022 Met Gala.
So now fans are left wondering — whose side is she really on?
Florence Welch
If Taylor Swift has a musical soulmate, Florence Welch just might be it.
The two have shared more than just duets — they've shared heartbreak, reinvention, and stage time.
Taylor featured Florence + The Machine on Midnights' You're On Your Own, Kid, and called her 'extraordinary.'
Florence was later one of the select few to receive a TTPD promotional package before the album dropped — and fans noticed.
'If Florence is in the inner circle, it's because Taylor wants her there,' one wrote.
Blake and Florence, on the other hand, share more of a fashion-forward friendship.
They've mingled at Met Galas and couture shows over the years, and both orbit the high-end style scene like pros.
But are they close? That's less clear.
While Florence tends to keep things low-key and mystical, her quiet loyalty to Taylor speaks volumes.
When the Blake drama hit, Florence kept liking Taylor's posts and even posted her own cryptic nod to self-growth.
Coincidence? Maybe. But fans think she's staying firmly Team Taylor — just in her usual ethereal way.
Hugh Jackman
Hollywood's nicest guy is in a tight spot.
Hugh Jackman has been thick as thieves with Ryan Reynolds for over a decade, and by default, he's also grown close with Blake.
Their trio has made the press rounds for Deadpool & Wolverine, and their long-running bromance has turned into box office gold.
But Hugh also has ties to Taylor — though they've been mostly off the radar.
The two reportedly bonded years ago when she auditioned for Les Misérables, and they've quietly maintained a friendship ever since.
He was spotted at Eras Tour shows and liked several of her posts — small signs, but telling ones.
Now fans are starting to watch him closely.
When Hugh posted photos with Ryan and Blake at the NYC premiere of Another Simple Favor, some Swifties sounded the alarm. \
'Might wanna stay away from that side for a while,' one user warned. Another added: 'Very close to unfollowing HJ as well.'
For now, Hugh's staying publicly neutral — but depending on how messy things get, he may not be able to sit on the fence forever.
Brittany Maack
Brittany Maack has been a constant in Taylor's life since their childhood days in Wyoming.
The two have weathered every era together, with Taylor serving as maid of honor in Brittany's 2016 wedding — a testament to their unshakable bond.
'My favorite accomplishment of my entire life is that everything in my life has changed except for me and Britany,' the Grammy winner told her gal pal in her maid of honor speech..
'She was my partner in crime at Brownie's sleepaway camp and she was my date to the Grammys,' Taylor added.
While Brittany keeps a low public profile, she remains quietly visible at other key moments as well.
She's popped up in Swift's documentaries, at private events, and in the occasional throwback post — a steady presence amid the chaos of Taylor's global fame.
As for Blake Lively? She and Brittany have been friendly through the years — appearing at parties together and sharing social circles.
But there's a clear distinction.
She's Taylor's hometown anchor — the one friend whose loyalty likely isn't up for debate.
Jake Gyllenhaal
Taylor's fans never forget — and when it comes to Jake Gyllenhaal, neither does she.
The All Too Well short film cemented Jake's status as public enemy number one in Swiftie lore. He's been immortalized in lyrics, memes, and, of course, that infamous scarf.
Though he's avoided commenting publicly, his posture whenever Taylor's name comes up speaks volumes — he clearly wants no part in the ongoing drama.
So where does Blake Lively fit in?
Jake and Blake have shared social circles since their early 2010s New York days, often spotted at the same industry events. Their mutual ties include Maggie Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and Blake's husband, Ryan Reynolds.
In fact, Jake and Ryan grew close during their Life press tour, sparking double date rumors and even whispers of a Hollywood bromance.
Now, in 2024, the optics are thorny.
Jake was spotted chatting with Ryan at a private event just weeks after The Tortured Poets Department dropped — and only days before Taylor and Blake's public rift seemed to take shape.
He's unlikely to wade into the feud directly, but fans are reading between the lines.
If there's a Team Blake, Jake may be quietly seated at the table.
Shawn Levy
Hollywood's busiest director is also becoming its most overexposed middleman.
Shawn Levy — helmer of Stranger Things, Deadpool & Wolverine, and now possibly Avengers 5 — has long been tight with Ryan Reynolds.
They've worked on multiple blockbusters together, and their friendship turned into a creative empire.
By extension, he's bonded with Blake too, often spotted in family-friendly hangs and group events.
But Shawn has recently been pulled into the Swiftian orbit. He was front and center at the Eras Tour with Taylor's inner circle, later attending Chiefs games with her and even being photographed in Swift's VIP tent.
Some fans dubbed him 'the Swift dad,' pointing to his respectful silence and genuine smile. Now? He's in a no-win position.
He's still promoting Deadpool with Ryan and Blake — but hasn't been seen with Taylor in recent months. T
he last photo of them together dates back to fall 2023.
Since then, he's gone quiet.
Is he trying to stay out of it? Probably. But fans are watching. '