The ongoing legal feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has unexpectedly pulled Candace Owens into a storm of accusations and subpoenas, with many onlookers raising questions about her role in the wider controversy.
With new court documents and sharp exchanges, the drama shows no signs of cooling down. But just what is Candace Owens' role in the larger scheme of things?
The Legal Clashes and Subpoenas
The trouble began when Blake Lively's team issued subpoenas linked to her lawsuit against Baldoni. Rumours suggested Owens, along with media figures Perez Hilton and YouTuber Andy Signore, had been called to testify. Signore claimed Lively was 'admitting defeat' after dropping her emotional distress claims, while Owens publicly denied being served with any subpoena. She told the Daily Mail that she had not received official notice and suspected leaks aimed at stirring headlines. Owens's assertion was clear: she had no knowledge of the case's details and intended to speak about it on her podcast once she was called upon.
Despite a legal victory when Baldoni's defamation suit was dismissed, Lively's legal activity continues. She has been actively sending subpoenas, which has raised eyebrows and prompted criticism. Her representatives maintain that the case's dismissal was a sign of victory and that her legal push is part of her right to defend her reputation. Meanwhile, Owens's name being dragged into the proceedings has sparked speculation about her involvement or possible motives.
What Does This Mean in a Legal Context?
The core of the dispute revolves around allegations of harassment, smear campaigns, and attempts to damage reputations. Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during filming, which led to a countersuit from Baldoni claiming defamation and other charges. Court rulings sided with Lively, dismissing Baldoni's countersuit, but his team insists there was no harassment and vows to continue fighting. They argue that the evidence points to an attempt by Lively to sabotage Baldoni's career.
Baldoni's professional standing has suffered. He was dropped by WME, his talent agency, though they deny any direct involvement. He is also fighting a separate £183 million (roughly $250 million) defamation claim from the Daily Mail. On the other hand, Lively's legal team is seeking damages and fees, aiming to punish what they see as a 'sham' lawsuit designed to harm her.
Owens's Role and Response
Candace Owens has taken a firm stance, denying any participation in Baldoni's alleged smear campaign. She addressed her subpoena in a 43-minute YouTube video, emphasising that she had not been officially served and that her previous comments about Lively were based on her own opinions. Owens showed messages from 2019 and August 2024, which she claims are her only mentions of Lively, dismissing any suggestion of orchestrating a campaign against her.
Owens argued she does not take money to criticise public figures and has formed her opinion about Lively independently. She expressed her dislike for the actress and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, but insisted her views were her own. Owens's defence was straightforward: she believes she has not been involved in any conspiracy and will continue to speak her mind. For Owens, her defence is about maintaining her reputation and refusing to be labelled as part of a smear campaign she says she never joined.
