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Hollywood star Blake Lively is escalating her legal battle over allegations of a smear campaign, with reports indicating her lawyers have issued subpoenas to prominent online personalities Perez Hilton and Candace Owens. The move signifies a significant development in the ongoing dispute surrounding actor Justin Baldoni and claims of a concerted effort to damage Lively’s reputation.

The core of the legal action revolves around accusations that Baldoni, known for his roles in shows like One Day at a Time, orchestrated a campaign to discredit Lively. While the specifics of the alleged smear campaign remain largely private due to the ongoing legal proceedings, sources suggest it involves the dissemination of false or misleading information intended to harm Lively's professional and personal standing.

Perez Hilton, a well-known celebrity blogger, and Candace Owens, a political commentator, have both publicly discussed aspects of the situation, drawing attention to the controversy. Lively’s legal team appears to be seeking information from both individuals to ascertain the extent of their involvement, if any, in the alleged smear campaign. Subpoenas compel individuals to provide testimony or documents, marking a formal step in the legal process.

Why Perez Hilton and Candace Owens?

The subpoenas to Hilton and Owens likely stem from their public commentary and engagement with the narrative surrounding Baldoni and Lively. Hilton has a history of reporting on celebrity gossip, while Owens’ platform often involves commentary on cultural and political issues, including those related to Hollywood. The legal team likely believes that both individuals possess information relevant to the case and may have played a role in amplifying or distributing the alleged defamatory content.

What's at Stake?

For Lively, the legal action is about protecting her reputation and seeking accountability for those who may have participated in the alleged smear campaign. Defamation suits can be complex and require demonstrating not only that false statements were made but also that they caused demonstrable harm. The subpoenas are a crucial step in gathering evidence to support her claims.

Baldoni, for his part, is likely facing scrutiny and potential legal repercussions if the allegations prove to be true. The case highlights the potential consequences of online behavior and the importance of responsible communication, particularly within the public sphere.

The Next Steps

It's expected that Hilton and Owens will be required to respond to the subpoenas, potentially involving providing documents and/or giving sworn testimony under oath. The information gathered will then be used by Lively’s legal team to build their case. The outcome of this legal battle remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly underscores the increasing legal complexities surrounding online reputation and defamation in the age of social media and instant communication.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The legal proceedings are likely to be closely watched by those interested in media law, celebrity disputes, and the impact of online platforms on personal reputations.