Justin Baldoni’s public relations team has raised eyebrows, and prices, after requesting a $30 000 per month increase in their fee, citing concerns over Taylor Swift’s ferocious fan base, the ‘Swifties.’ The PR firm, based in Texas and working for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, framed the demand as a necessary measure to shield their client from potential social media fallout. According to documents obtained by TMZ, an internal email included the note, “The social team are now worried about Blake activating the Taylor Swift fan base, which is a major concern. With this in mind and to ensure Justin and the studio are 100 % protected moving forward, they have now changed the fee to $30 000 per month due to the uptick in social chatter.”
The sharp fee increase comes amid Baldoni’s escalating legal and PR showdown with co-star Blake Lively, whose accusations of sexual harassment turned into a full-blown war of words. Taylor Swift, though not a direct participant in the dispute, has become an unexpected centrepiece due to her close friendship with Lively and her immense, mobilised fan following. The mere prospect of Swifties rallying to Lively’s side is now seen as a PR risk requiring extra resources to manage.
This development underscores how influential celebrity fandoms can sway not just public perception but even legal strategies and budgets. Even when not directly involved, figures like Taylor Swift wield remarkable power through their communities, prompting proactive crisis planning from industries accustomed to damage control. Whether this strategic investment will pay off remains to be seen, but as the legal drama continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Swiftie effect is undeniable.
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