Candace Owens Speaks Out After Major Court Ruling in Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Case
A federal judge has dramatically reshaped the legal battle between actress Blake Lively and actor-director Justin Baldoni, dismissing the majority of claims and setting the stage for a streamlined trial. The decision, handed down by Judge Lewis Liman, cuts the case down to just three core issues, marking a pivotal moment in this high-profile lawsuit.
Judge Lewis Liman's Ruling Narrows the Lawsuit Scope
In a significant development, Judge Lewis Liman removed 10 out of 13 claims from the lawsuit, effectively reducing its scope before the scheduled trial on May 18, 2026. The dismissed allegations include serious charges such as sexual harassment, conspiracy, and defamation. As a result, the case will now proceed solely on the grounds of breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation.
This ruling alters the direction of the lawsuit in a major way, focusing the legal proceedings on specific contractual and retaliatory matters rather than the broader accusations initially presented. The court's decision underscores the complexities of employment classification, as Judge Liman noted that Blake Lively was working as an independent contractor during the filming, which impacted the treatment of certain claims.
Candace Owens Claims Credit for the Outcome in Social Media Post
Shortly after the court update became public, conservative commentator Candace Owens took to X (formerly Twitter) to react, asserting her role in the outcome. On April 3, 2026, she posted, "Everybody please congratulate me on Blake Lively’s psycho claims about Justin Baldoni being dismissed. We worked really hard on that one. In the end, truth wins." Her message quickly garnered attention, reigniting discussions about her involvement in the case.
Owens' connection to the lawsuit dates back to July 2025, when Blake Lively's legal team issued a subpoena to her. According to reports from Entertainment Weekly, this action was linked to Owens' public comments about Lively, which the actress's attorneys believed were part of a coordinated effort to tarnish her reputation. In response, Owens vehemently denied any financial incentives, stating on her YouTube channel that her opinions were purely personal. She elaborated, "I truly looked at this lawsuit when it all came out in January, and I just thought that you were a bad person. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I think you and Ryan are bad people. There is nobody involved, nobody has ever been involved in making me come to that conclusion."
Blake Lively's Legal Team Maintains Focus on Retaliation Claims
Despite the dismissal of multiple claims, Blake Lively's representatives have emphasized that this is not a defeat. Her lawyer, Sigrid McCawley, clarified the team's stance, stating, "This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial." She explained that the sexual harassment claims were dismissed due to Lively's status as an independent contractor, not because the incidents were deemed unfounded.
Earlier allegations from Lively's legal team had accused Justin Baldoni of inappropriate conduct during filming, including unwanted physical contact and remarks about her appearance. However, these specific accusations will no longer be part of the trial proceedings. Instead, the focus will shift to proving whether there was organized retaliation and efforts to harm Lively's public image, as reported by The Guardian.
Implications and Next Steps for the May 2026 Trial
With the lawsuit now condensed to three key issues, the upcoming trial is poised to delve deeply into contractual breaches and alleged retaliatory actions. The outcome will hinge on evidence presented in court, starting in May 2026, and could set precedents for similar cases in the entertainment industry. As the legal drama continues to unfold, public interest remains high, fueled by celebrity involvement and contentious social media exchanges.
This case highlights the intricate interplay between legal strategies, public perception, and media narratives in high-stakes litigation. Stakeholders and observers alike will be watching closely as the trial date approaches, anticipating further developments in this captivating legal saga.
