Blake Lively Subpoenas Perez Hilton and Candace Owens in Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni

The legal drama surrounding Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken a new turn as the actress reportedly subpoenaed prominent internet figures Perez Hilton, Candace Owens, and Andy Signore. This move is part of Lively’s strategy to uncover what she alleges to be a coordinated smear campaign against her, linked to her film It Ends With Us.

According to reports, the subpoenas were issued on July 1, 2025, and aim to gather communications between these figures and Baldoni’s team, potentially revealing a digital collusion to sway public opinion. The development follows a judge’s order permitting Lively to explore discovery in the ongoing legal case.

Allegations of a Coordinated Smear Campaign

The subpoenas focus on possible collaboration between Justin Baldoni’s associates and content creators known for their critical commentary on Lively. TMZ first reported on this legal maneuver, highlighting its significance in the broader context of the lawsuit.

Candace Owens, a conservative commentator, responded to the news through a statement to People, expressing surprise at the subpoena. “Given the fact that I have not received any subpoena yet, I appreciate Blake’s team leaking this to TMZ to alert me to it,” she stated. Owens has previously discussed the legal case on her podcast and social media platforms.

Meanwhile, Andy Signore’s attorney, Nathaniel Broughty, informed Us Weekly that his client has not been served with any legal documents. “Should service occur, we intend to vigorously defend against any claims and will protect the confidentiality of sources on both sides,” Broughty asserted. Signore has been actively sharing updates on the case and is reportedly working on a documentary titled It Ends With Justice.

Background and Legal Context

The legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has been escalating since Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign. Baldoni has denied these allegations and countersued Lively, along with her husband Ryan Reynolds and others, for $400 million. However, Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit in June 2025, setting the stage for a trial scheduled to begin in May 2026.

Perez Hilton, a well-known celebrity blogger, appeared in the documentary In Dispute: Lively vs. Baldoni and has previously collaborated with Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman. Despite his involvement, Hilton has not publicly commented on the subpoena.

Implications and Industry Reactions

The subpoenas issued by Blake Lively could have significant implications for the digital landscape, particularly regarding the influence of online personalities in legal battles. This case highlights the growing intersection between celebrity culture and digital media, where public opinion can be shaped by influential figures on social platforms.

Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how digital communications are used in court to establish intent and collaboration in defamation cases. The entertainment industry, often rife with public disputes, is closely watching the proceedings for potential impacts on future legal strategies.

Looking Ahead

As the trial date approaches, both sides are likely to intensify their efforts to gather evidence and build their cases. The involvement of high-profile internet figures adds a layer of complexity, as their communications could reveal critical insights into the alleged smear campaign.

For now, the subpoenas serve as a reminder of the intricate web of relationships and influences in Hollywood’s legal battles. The unfolding drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to captivate public attention, with many eager to see how the case will ultimately resolve.

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