The REAL Reason Why Taylor Swift Isn’t at the VMAs

If you’ve been following this week’s whole VMAs lead-up (lol “if”), you’ve probably, nay, definitely, been wondering where the f Taylor Swift would be. Sure, Hiddleswift has more or less disappeared from the public eye, and Tay’s rep hasn’t exactly been rosy since that whole Kim K video leak literally exploded the Internet, but still — it’s hard to think about the VMAs without the 1989 songstress coming to mind. A big part of that association, of course, is the whole “Imma let you finish, but…” incident courtesy of one Kanye West in the 2009 awards. Last week we even learned that Mr. West would be given four minutes at this year’s VMAs to do… well, whatever he wants. This is why we’re more than a little heartbroken to notice Taylor Swift’s conspicuous absence because, well, who doesn’t love a li’l awards show drama?

WHERE ARE YOU, TAYLOR?

Here’s the scoop, and we apologize in advance if it’s less juicy than you’d hoped: Taylor isn’t at the VMAs because she wasn’t nominated. And before you’re like “wait, WHUT,” keep in mind that the only reason she wasn’t nominated is that, apart from her video for “Out of the Woods,” she hasn’t released any videos recently enough to qualify for a 2016 award. It’s been two years since 1989 was released, and the album’s qualifying videos received their nominations last year.

Another, slightly more interesting reason to avoid the proceedings? Ultra-publicly scorned ex-boyfriend Calvin Harris WAS nominated this year, for “This Is What You Came For” ft. Rihanna (and, as of press time, has won).

So, there you have it. No bad blood (see what we did there?) and no unexpected secrets: Taylor isn’t there because she simply has no reason to be. That said, sitting out the potential embarrassment of a Kimye run-in probably doesn’t hurt.

Do you think Taylor’s sitting out some Kimye drama? Tell us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Christopher Polk + Jason Merritt / Getty)

After reports started circulating that Taylor Swift was distancing herself from Blake Lively amid the It Ends With Us drama (namely Blake calling in Taylor as backup in a meeting with Justin Baldoni, and then referring to the singer as one of her "dragons" in a text), sources promised things were good as gold between the two famous BFFs. But new reports are suggesting Taylor "feels used" by Blake (and her cringy Game of Thrones text).

Here's the latest update on the Taylor Swift and Blake Lively feud rumors.

Taylor Swift reportedly "feels used" by Blake Lively.

A source told Page Six Taylor Swift “is taking a break from their friendship right now,” and that she's “really hurt by this whole situation and feels like a pawn.”

Another source says Tay “can’t help but feel used” by Blake Lively as her legal battle with Justin Baldoni rages on, and that she “doesn’t appreciate being referred to as one of Blake’s dragons.”

"If you ever get around to watching Game of Thrones, you'll appreciate that I'm Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons," Blake allegedly said in a text message to Justin after their meeting with Taylor and Ryan Reynolds. "For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. you will too, I can promise you."

TMZ reports that Taylor had no idea Justin would even be there, and didn't appreciate feeling weaponized. "It's weird to say that about a friend," an insider says of the text. And apparently, things are feeling strained. All in all, with somewhat conflicting reports, no one really knows how things stand between Blake and Taylor at the moment. But this alleged tension could impact who Taylor Swift brings with her to the Super Bowl.

And apparently, Blake might not get a Super Bowl invite this year.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Rumors were circulating that Blake already had an invite to the Big Game, but a source tells Daily Mailthat "Blake is not attending the Super Bowl with her. Blake has not left the house since this started practically. Taylor wants nothing to do with this trial and court case."

Another source told the US Sun that "Taylor would like to have some of her close friends and family all together and be there to show love and support her man" at the Super Bowl, but only time will tell who will spend the evening with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

And even if Taylor doesn't want anything to do with the legal battle, Justin Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freeman has already said there's a possibility she could be deposed for their March 2026 trial. "I don’t know that we’re going to depose Taylor Swift. I think that that’s going to be probably a game time decision. I don’t know that that decision has been made,” he said on TMZ's Two Angry Men podcast. “But, I can tell you this, anyone that reasonably has information that can provide evidence in this case is going to be deposed.”

Oy. Stay tuned for the latest update on Taylor Swift and Blake Lively's celebrity friendship.

If you're totally confused by this whole Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively legal battle, here's A Definitive Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's It Ends With Us Feud to help you straighten things out.

It Ends With Us drama is seemingly never-ending, from the back-and-forth accusations of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to the multi-million dollar lawsuits. As the feud continues to escalate, the legal situations evolve daily — and now a judge just paused Justin Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit against the New York Times. Here's what's happening in this highly complex legal battle, and what it all means for the lawsuit in general.

Scroll to find out what this pause means for Justin Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit...

On January 16, 2025, Justin Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, their publicists, and the New York Times. By January 30, Blake and Ryan quickly filed to dismissthe suit with a single sentence: "The Lively-Reynolds Parties intend to move to dismiss Plaintiffs’ complaint."

According to Deadline, the New York Times also filed its own motion to dismiss the case on February 28, 2025. The media company wrote, "The Wayfarer Parties’ FAC tells a one-sided tale that has garnered plenty of headlines, but The Times does not belong in this dispute."

Now, a judge is seemingly siding with The Times by at least granting a pause on discovery for the lawsuit, according to E! News. Reporting from E! states that a motion was filed to "temporarily halt parties from having to exchange information or documents." Judge Lewis J. Liman granted the motion to pause, explaining that the media outlet has "substantial grounds" and "a strong showing that its motion to dismiss is likely to succeed on the merits."

Despite the Baldoni team's claims that this new window substantially shortens their time for discovery, Judge Liman maintained that "the burden of discovery is not measured only by the number of pages." And if we know anything about Baldoni's team? It's that they love to release lots and lots and lots of documents.

Judge Liman continued his decision by stating that Baldoni's team will be able to ask for the "extent of discovery" they need if the courts ultimately deny The Times' request. Still, he explained that "The Court intends to address the motion to dismiss promptly after it is fully submitted.”

A spokesperson for the New York Times told E! News, "We appreciate the court’s decision today, which recognizes the important First Amendment values at stake here. The court has stopped Mr. Baldoni from burdening The Times with discovery requests in a case that should never have been brought against."

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Taylor Swift became a part of the It Ends With Us saga when her song "My Tears Ricochet" was featured in the movie's trailer, but none of us could have expected that by December 2024, the popstar would be pulled into Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively's legal battle. The singer, as well as Blake's husband Ryan Reynolds, was allegedly present for a conversation between Blake and Justin...and could now be deposed in their March 2026 trial. And while past reports say she didn't have any creative involvement in bringing It Ends With Us to the screen, apparently she did have a hand in casting Isabela Ferrer as young Lily. Wait, what?

Here's what Justin Baldoni & Isabela Ferrer had to say about Taylor Swift's involvement in It Ends With Us.

Taylor Swift was "a helpful part" of casting young Lily.

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- YouTube

At the beginning of February 2025, multiple Us Weekly sources claimed Taylor didn't actually have any creative involvement in the movie. “Taylor has always been Blake’s friend, but Taylor doesn’t have any involvement in the case. She wasn’t part of the movie,” an insider says. “Taylor was not a producer on the film and had no creative involvement.”

“While she and Blake are friends, this case is now a legal matter for the courts to resolve,” they continue. “Dragging Taylor into it is unnecessary and misrepresents what really happened.”

But in a resurfaced video, Justin Baldoni tells Access Hollywood that the team searched far and wide to find Isabela Ferrer to play young Lily. "When you have somebody as beloved and recognizable as Blake," he says in the interview, "the only way it can really work is if you have somebody that resembles her."

And if you've seen the movie, you know that Isabela and Blake look so similar! “I had actually brought in and showed her casting tape to Blake and Taylor and they were both, like, ‘Yes! her,'” he said. “And that’s a true story.”

"Yes, she did," Isabela herself told Extra at the It Ends With Us premiere. “I don’t even know if I’m supposed to be saying it, but I’m saying it! Yeah, she was a helpful part of the process of the audition, which I found out later after I got it and that rocked my world. I have no words.”

The videos resurfaced among rumors of a feud between Blake and Taylor, which started flying after it was revealed Blake allegedly called Taylor (among others) as a dragon in a text to Justin. You know...like in Game of Thrones. "I'm Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons," Blake wrote. "For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. you will too, I can promise you."

A Page Six source claims that Taylor “can’t help but feel used” by Blake Lively, and that she “doesn’t appreciate being referred to as one of Blake’s dragons.” In fact, the rumors spiraled so far that some internet users speculated that's why Blake wasn't with Taylor at the Super Bowlthis year.

But Swifties can rest assured because "Taylor is not shading Blake or is she trying to teach her a lesson," according to a Daily Mailinsider. It isn't like that. Even if Taylor did invite Blake, Blake would not come...Blake would not want to overshadow Taylor ever."

See A Definitive Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's It Ends With Us Feud for more — and hear what Brit + Co hosts Chloe and Kayla have to say in the first episode of Yap City.

Letting more than a decade pass without updates can quickly leave a home feeling outdated. That was the case for this Pasadena home, which remained frozen in the '80s and ’90s — until Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of the celebrity-loved design firm House of Rolison stepped in to beautifully renovate and reimagine it. Their goal? To lean into the home's French-country architecture and transform the dated and dysfunctional space into a modern, light-filled space with moody vibes, vintage pieces, and luxury materials.

See the before and after of this French-inspired Pasadena renovation!

THE BEFORE

Courtesy of House of Rolison

Prior to the renovation, the home was stuck in the past with a lime green exterior and a late 80s/early 90s design aesthetic, including dated flooring, cramped rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, bulky kitchen cabinets and granite (granite!) countertops. Drumroll on the after....

THE AFTER

Gavin Cater

I'm in awe of this transformation. Amanda and Taylor enhanced the home’s original features, including the floor-to-ceiling windows, slate roof with beautifully patinated gutters and accents, and kept original lighting fixtures while adding a fresh coat of paint and modern landscaping. Gorgeous!

THE BEFORE: ENTRY AND LIVING ROOM

Courtesy of House of Rolison

Before diving into the renovation, take a look at the original living area and entryway. The space feels not just overdone, but also cold and uninviting. The bulky staircases (plural) dominate the entry, while the divider adds nothing to the warmth or flow of the space. The furniture feels stuck in another era, and that tiny rug? A total eyesore!

THE AFTER: LIVING AREA

Gavin Cater

The entry now is stunning, designed to make a statement with one staircase removed to create a charming seating nook and a more open, inviting flow into the cozy living space. The home now has 20-foot ceilings, an elegant formal living room topped with custom-stained cedar paneling, and a bespoke bar area showcasing beautifully restored red oak cabinetry.

Gavin Cater

Elegant furnishings with modern silhouettes and warm, earthy tones instantly elevate the home's aesthetic. The restored fireplace adds warmth and character to the room, while a well-proportioned rug enhances the cozy, inviting space.

THE BEFORE: KITCHEN

Courtesy of House of Rolison

My eyes! This kitchen is a time capsule of outdated design, from the heavy granite countertops to the awkward circular layout that feels cramped and closed off.

Gavin Cater

"We opened up the kitchen to create a much more spacious and functional layout," says Taylor. "One of the key changes was expanding the kitchen’s visual space by installing double islands to create more prep space and an inviting area for family to gather."

Gavin Cater

They also removed a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area, which not only opened up the space but also allowed natural light to flood in from both sides of the house. "The wood and paint-grade cabinetry allowed for contrast, and served as the perfect canvas for Calacatta Viola marble and absolute black slabs. The matte black hardware we used throughout the cabinetry and railings added a modern touch," adds Amanda.

Gavin Cater

Amanda and Taylor revamped the '90s kitchen into a chic and design-forward space by adding a moody breakfast nook for the family to gather. Find more banquette inspiration here!

Gavin Cater

Another challenge was optimizing the natural light — some rooms had very little natural light while others had plenty, so they introduced skylights where it was lacking. "We maximized the layout, lighting, and use of space while adding crucial design factors to make the property stand out," says Taylor.

Gavin Cater

Striking a balance between light and dark, the dining room features a rich brown and black palette that enhances its moody, earthy aesthetic while beautifully framing the outdoor views.

Gavin Cater

"The defining highlight for us is how we were able to preserve the home’s original charm while modernizing it to meet the physical and aesthetic needs of a modern family," says Amanda. The design duo kept the architectural integrity intact, but enhanced the functionality and warmth.

Gavin Cater

Taylor and Amanda restored the fireplace to its original brick, "but not how you might think," says Taylor. "We went through multiple processes to come to the final product. First attempting to remove paint, then micro cementing the fireplace, and at the very end we wanted to have the warmth and beauty of used brick. So we had to source used brick to satisfy the color and size needs for our room and proceeded to install."

Gavin Cater

Marble and matte black hardware was also used in the bathrooms, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home.

Gavin Cater

"We chose natural materials like warm oak wood, used brick, and natural stones to blend with the moldings and historic feel of the home," says Amanda. The soft goods complement these harder materials with natural linens and vintage style rugs.

Gavin Cater

Touches of nature are woven throughout the home, subtly appearing in the artwork and décor.

Gavin Cater

The adorable kids room is a clean canvas with neutral decor and a rich amber-colored rug.

Gavin Cater

The outdoors is just as stunning. The pair upgraded the pool tile to a cle rust brown tile to modernize and warm up the pool. "We take landscaping our homes very seriously, so when it came to this home we had to go all out," says Amanda. Grass, olive trees, ficus, vines and more create a serene environment for years to come.

Gavin Cater

"The idea was to create a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape — bringing the outside in," adds Taylor. "The seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living and the design of the kitchen as the heart of the home really stand out."

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The Whole Foods hot bar is a buffet of delicious possibilities. It’s truly packed with fresh, flavorful dishes that make grabbing a quick meal feel like a total treat! From perfectly-seasoned roasted veggies to indulgent comfort foods like meatloaf and cornbread, you’re never missing out on good eats when you stop by the Whole Foods hot bar. If you’re wondering which options are worth piling onto your plate, these 10 picks are the best of the best!

Scroll on to discover the 10 best finds at the Whole Foods hot bar for a tasty on-the-go meal!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

1. Rotisserie Chicken

Whole Foods’ rotisserie chicken is a staple you simply need to try. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly-seasoned every single time! Some Whole Foods locations even give you a choice between lemon herb or garlic variations that add delicious depth of flavor. Plus, rotisserie chicken is always versatile – you can eat it on its own, shred it into salads, or pair it with any of the hot bar sides for a balanced, high-protein meal.

Foodie Factor / PEXELS

2. Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is superior when it comes to comfort food, and Whole Foods’ recipe is no exception! It never fails to be rich, velvety, and packed with the perfect balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and freshness from the basil. It’s a fan-favorite because it pairs beautifully with everything from grilled cheese to pasta.

Public Domain Pictures / PEXELS

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These aren’t the bland, mushy veggies you avoided as a kid. Whole Foods roasts their Brussels sprouts to crispy perfection, oftentimes serving them up with garlic, a balsamic glaze, or some Parmesan cheese! If you’re looking for nutritious, yet flavorful options from the Whole Foods hot bar, you’ve just gotta scoop up some of these sprouts and witness the magic for yourself.

FOX / PEXELS

4. Grilled Salmon

Whole Foods’ grilled salmon is a standout item on the hot bar because of its buttery texture and slightly-smoky char. It pairs exceptionally well with the aforementioned Brussels sprouts or even a grain-based side like quinoa!

Angela Khebou / PEXELS

5. Mac & Cheese

Whole Foods fans go nuts for their Mac & Cheese. It’s nothing but rich, creamy, and of course, loaded with cheese. It’s ooey and gooey, but typically, the top layer boasts a slight crispiness from baking. Yum. It makes the ultimate comfort food for picky kids and hungry adults alike!

Whole Foods

6. Classic Meatloaf

Don't knock meatloaf – especially Whole Foods’ meatloaf from the hot bar. This home-style dish is made with high-quality beef, flavorful seasonings, and a tangy tomato glaze that keeps you going back for more. And more! Shoppers love it so much because it brings back that nostalgia for a hearty, homemade dinner.

Whole Foods

7. Chicken Tikka Masala

This ready-to-eat Tikka Masala is so delicious. The chicken is always tender and absorbs the spicy sauce beautifully, making it a perfect dish when served over basmati rice. It’s a great way to enjoy Indian flavors without having to visit a restaurant (and pay restaurant prices).

Nadja M / PEXELS

8. Fried Rice

Whole Foods’ fried rice can’t be beat. Often made with fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a touch of soy sauce for umami depth, it's a great side to scoop up for lunch or dinner.

Nano Erdozain / PEXELS

9. Baked Ziti

This comforting mix of al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and ricotta for extra creaminess is one of the best items on Whole Foods’ hot bar. Cheese lovers, make way!

Valeria Boltneva / PEXELS

10. Nashville Hot Chicken

For those who can’t resist a little heat, the Nashville hot chicken at Whole Foods delivers a perfect balance of spice and crunch. Each bite is also slightly-sweet, so you’re going to get a balanced meal every time you stop by.

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