Candace Owens says Blake Lively’s team is leaking HR complaints to media outlets to smear Justin Baldoni

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken a new turn, with conservative commentator Candace Owens stepping in with claims that Lively’s camp is orchestrating a behind-the-scenes smear campaign.

On February 16, 2025, Owens took to her Instagram Stories, alleging that someone from Lively’s team had been "shopping around HR complaints" to major tabloids, aiming to tarnish Baldoni’s reputation, as several reports suggest.

Candace Owens makes explosive claims against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

Candace Owens did not hold back in her accusations.

In a video she posted, she said, "I became aware couple of weeks ago that somebody from Blake Lively's camp was shopping around, what they claimed to be HR complaints to various tabloids and publications namely TMZ, Daily Mail, and The New York Post, sending them these HR complaints... All painting Justin Baldoni to be a monster."

Owens stated that these HR complaints contained multiple redactions, including names and dates.

She further claimed that all the publications allegedly contacted refused to publish the information as presented.

With traditional media unwilling to bite, Owens speculated that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, pivoted to TikTokers and independent journalists to spread similar narratives.

Taking her claims a step further, Owens shared screenshots of the alleged HR complaints with redacted details.

She even attempted to guess the concealed names, suggesting individuals like Jenny Slate and Isabel Ferrer might be involved.

She implied that this could be part of a broader PR strategy, calling out Reynolds directly by writing:

"You and your wife are not smarter than moms on the internet. We remain undefeated," said Owens.

Ryan Reynolds’ 'SNL50' quip seemingly a deflection to ongoing lawsuit 

As the legal battle rages on, Ryan Reynolds allegedly chose humor, maybe as a deflection or sheer coincidence.

During the 'SNL50: The Anniversary Special' on February 16, hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler engaged Reynolds in casual banter, "Ryan! How's it going?"

With impeccable comedic timing, Reynolds quipped, "Great! Why what have you heard!"

The audience erupted in laughter, but Lively’s reaction was far more telling. Smiling just moments before, her expression reportedly shifted to shock.

The joke landed at an event that marked the couple’s first public appearance since the lawsuit between Lively and Baldoni surfaced, making it all the more noteworthy.

Beyond the social media storm, Lively’s legal team is ramping up efforts in the courtroom.

Recent subpoenas have been issued to several corporate giants, including Jed Wallace, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, as part of the lawsuit she filed against Baldoni.

Her attorneys, Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, have consistently maintained that a concerted effort has been made to smear Lively’s reputation.

As per Variety, they emphasized, "Ms Lively has initiated discovery that will expose the people, tactics, and methods that have worked to 'destroy' and 'bury' her reputation and family over the past year."

In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against her Baldoni alleging harassment during the filming of 'It Ends With Us' and orchetrating a smear campaign against her.

Baldoni denied all her accusations and filed his own $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Reynolds, Lively and their PR team.