
In an era where celebrity culture often intertwines with legal dramas, the dynamic duo of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds has found themselves at the center of a public dispute that captivated fans and critics alike. Recently, Candace Owens took her own stance on the unfolding saga during the latest episode of her podcast, offering insights into the couple’s legal strategies and the implications for their privacy in the celebrity spotlight. However, with such high-profile discussions come the need for scrutiny and accuracy. In this blog post, we will meticulously fact-check the claims made by Owens, examining the nuances behind the headlines and ensuring a clear understanding of the legal proceedings at play. As we navigate through the details, we aim to shed light on the truth and distinguish it from sensationalized narratives, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of this compelling story.
Fact Check Analysis
Claim
The letter mentioned that they stand with Blake in solidarity as she fights back against a reported campaign to discredit her voice.
Veracity Rating: 4 out of 4
Facts
To evaluate the claim that Blake Lively's friends stand with her in solidarity against a reported campaign to discredit her voice, we can look at publicly available statements from her friends and the context of the legal issues involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
## Claim Evaluation
The claim states that Blake Lively's friends stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against a reported campaign to discredit her voice. This is supported by a joint statement from her friends, including America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn, who have publicly voiced their support for Lively amid her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni.
### Evidence from Public Statements
In their statement, Lively's friends expressed solidarity with her, stating that they saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace during the filming of *It Ends With Us*. They condemned the alleged smear campaign against her, highlighting the hypocrisy in exploiting domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety[1][5].
### Context of the Legal Issues
Blake Lively filed a civil rights complaint against Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation. She alleged that Baldoni and others orchestrated a smear campaign against her, creating a hostile work environment[1][2]. In response, Baldoni countersued, denying all allegations and accusing Lively and her team of defamation and other legal offenses[1][2].
### Analysis of the Claim
The claim is supported by the public statement from Lively's friends, which aligns with her allegations of facing a smear campaign. However, the legal battle is complex, with both sides presenting different narratives. While Lively's friends have voiced their support, Baldoni has also garnered support from his legal team and some industry figures, though he was dropped by his talent agency and faced other professional repercussions[1].
## Conclusion
The claim that Blake Lively's friends stand with her in solidarity against a reported campaign to discredit her voice is **valid** based on publicly available statements from her friends. However, the situation remains contentious, with ongoing legal disputes and differing narratives from both parties involved.
Citations
- [1] https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a63255632/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-lawsuit-it-ends-with-us-explained/
- [2] https://economictimes.com/news/international/us/ryan-reynolds-breaks-silence-on-blake-livelys-legal-battle-with-justin-baldoni/articleshow/118333612.cms
- [3] https://isgap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Poisoning-The-Wells.pdf
- [4] https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/ryan-reynolds-mocks-justin-baldoni-legal-drama-blake-lively
- [5] https://themusicessentials.com/trending-pop-culture-news/blake-livelys-friends-speak-out-against-alleged-smear-campaign/
Claim
Colleen Hoover expressed anxiety about sharing her post to support Blake Lively due to concerns over negative comments.
Veracity Rating: 4 out of 4
Facts
To evaluate the claim that Colleen Hoover expressed anxiety about sharing her post to support Blake Lively due to concerns over negative comments, we can rely on recent social media posts and statements from Colleen Hoover herself.
## Evidence Supporting the Claim
1. **Colleen Hoover's Social Media Post**: In a recent social media post, Colleen Hoover admitted to feeling anxious about sharing her support for Blake Lively. She mentioned that she had anxiety thinking of posting about Blake in her feed due to the inevitable negative comments, which she described as potentially "vile" [1][2].
2. **Reflection on Social Media Behavior**: Hoover also reflected on her past social media behavior, noting that she had pulled back from sharing personal content online to protect her mental health. She stated that people often followed her not out of genuine interest but to criticize her, which led her to reduce her online presence [1][2].
3. **Inspiration to Speak Out**: Despite her initial anxiety, Hoover was inspired by the solidarity shown by Blake Lively's friends, including America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn. Their statement of support encouraged Hoover to stand up for herself and others, despite potential backlash [1][2].
## Conclusion
Based on the evidence from reliable sources, the claim that Colleen Hoover expressed anxiety about sharing her post to support Blake Lively due to concerns over negative comments is **valid**. Hoover's own words in her social media post clearly convey her anxiety about potential negative reactions and her decision to speak out despite these concerns.
## Additional Context
The context of this situation involves Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, her co-star in the movie adaptation of Hoover's book "It Ends With Us." The lawsuit alleges inappropriate behavior by Baldoni, which he has denied. The situation highlights the complexities of social media interactions, where public figures like Colleen Hoover must navigate both support and criticism [1][2][3].
Citations
- [1] https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/930741/it-ends-with-us-author-colleen-hoover-admits-feeling-anxious-to-show-stronger-support-fo/story/
- [2] https://thetab.com/2024/12/24/colleen-hoover-speaks-out-in-support-of-blake-lively-following-justin-baldoni-lawsuit
- [3] https://www.resetera.com/threads/anybody-been-following-the-blake-lively-%E2%80%9Cit-ends-with-us%E2%80%9D-controversy.953472/
- [4] https://dam.tmz.com/document/fd/o/2025/02/01/fd6320ea729e4407b2857ad9f7f4f570.pdf
- [5] https://dam.tmz.com/document/31/o/2025/02/01/314c3efcf7c240a49b06aa732b9da571.pdf
Claim
Ari Emanuel has a personal net worth of at least $1 billion.
Veracity Rating: 0 out of 4
Facts
The claim that Ari Emanuel has a personal net worth of at least $1 billion can be evaluated based on available financial information. As of 2025, Ari Emanuel's estimated net worth is reported to be around $450 million, primarily derived from his stake in WME-IMG and his salary as co-CEO[1]. This figure does not support the claim of a net worth exceeding $1 billion.
However, there seems to be confusion with another individual, Ariel Emanuel, who is not the same person as Ari Emanuel. Ariel Emanuel is reported to have a net worth of at least $2.1 billion as of 2025, based on his holdings in various companies such as Endeavor Group Holdings and TKO Group Holdings[3]. This information highlights the importance of distinguishing between individuals with similar names when assessing financial claims.
In conclusion, the claim that Ari Emanuel has a personal net worth of at least $1 billion is not supported by current financial data. His net worth is significantly lower, at approximately $450 million[1].
### Summary of Key Points:
– **Ari Emanuel's Net Worth**: Estimated at around $450 million as of 2025[1].
– **Ariel Emanuel's Net Worth**: Estimated at least $2.1 billion as of 2025[3].
– **Confusion Between Individuals**: The claim might be mistakenly attributed to Ariel Emanuel due to similar names.
– **Verification Sources**: Financial news outlets and business reports are essential for verifying such claims.
Citations
- [1] https://chemicalcitypaper.com/ari-emanuels-net-worth-career-and-life-the-powerhouse-behind-wme-img/
- [2] https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0001766363/fa7e0a49-94e1-490e-977f-1c91f6c4bf2b.pdf
- [3] https://www.gurufocus.com/insider/16423/ariel-emanuel
- [4] https://www.barclaydamon.com/ajax/KnowledgeSearch.aspx
Claim
Colleen Hoover reposted a letter of support for Blake Lively written by her co-stars from the film 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.'
Veracity Rating: 0 out of 4
Facts
## Claim Evaluation: Colleen Hoover Reposting a Letter of Support for Blake Lively
The claim suggests that Colleen Hoover reposted a letter of support for Blake Lively written by her co-stars from the film 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.' To verify this claim, we need to examine Colleen Hoover's social media activity and any relevant communications regarding Blake Lively's situation.
### Available Information
1. **Colleen Hoover's Support for Blake Lively**: Colleen Hoover, the author of 'It Ends with Us,' has publicly supported Blake Lively amid her sexual harassment allegations against Justin Baldoni, the director and star of the film adaptation. Hoover expressed her support through an Instagram post, praising Lively's honesty and integrity[1].
2. **Blake Lively's Situation**: Blake Lively has filed a complaint alleging misconduct by Justin Baldoni on the set of 'It Ends with Us.' The complaint includes allegations of a retaliatory smear campaign against her[1].
3. **Lack of Evidence on 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' Co-Stars' Letter**: There is no available information or evidence from reliable sources indicating that Colleen Hoover reposted a letter of support from Blake Lively's co-stars from 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.'
### Conclusion
Based on the available information, there is no evidence to support the claim that Colleen Hoover reposted a letter of support for Blake Lively written by her co-stars from 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.' While Hoover has shown support for Lively, the specific claim about reposting such a letter remains unsubstantiated.
### Recommendations for Verification
– **Check Colleen Hoover's Social Media**: Review Colleen Hoover's Instagram and other social media platforms for any posts or stories related to Blake Lively's situation.
– **Consult Reliable News Sources**: Look for reports from reputable news outlets that might cover any statements or actions by Colleen Hoover or Blake Lively's co-stars from 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.'
Without direct evidence from Colleen Hoover's social media or statements from Blake Lively's co-stars, the claim cannot be verified.
Citations
Claim
Colleen Hoover criticized the perception of Hollywood as a cruel society of judges.
Veracity Rating: 0 out of 4
Facts
The claim that Colleen Hoover criticized the perception of Hollywood as a cruel society of judges lacks direct evidence from reliable sources. While Colleen Hoover is a prominent author known for her romance novels and has faced controversy regarding her work, there is no specific mention of her commenting on Hollywood's societal pressures or its perception as a cruel society of judges in the provided search results or other available information.
However, it is worth noting that Colleen Hoover's work, particularly "It Ends With Us," has been involved in discussions related to Hollywood due to its film adaptation. The movie's marketing campaign has been criticized for its tone, which some perceive as inconsistent with the serious themes of domestic violence depicted in the story[1]. This criticism might tangentially relate to broader discussions about societal pressures and perceptions in Hollywood, but it does not directly address Hoover's views on the matter.
To further explore the claim, examining broader media sentiments about Hollywood's societal pressures could provide context. The podcast episode mentioned discusses hypocrisy in Hollywood and the importance of protecting individual freedoms, which aligns with broader critiques of celebrity culture and media power[1]. However, without specific statements from Colleen Hoover on this topic, the claim remains unsubstantiated.
In conclusion, based on the available information, there is no evidence to support the claim that Colleen Hoover criticized the perception of Hollywood as a cruel society of judges. Any exploration of her views on this topic would require direct statements or interviews from reliable sources.
Citations
- [1] https://theweek.com/culture-life/books/colleen-hoover-controversies-it-ends-with-us
- [2] https://heritageherald.com/2023/02/06/unpopular-opinion-colleen-hoover-is-the-armpit-of-literature/
- [3] https://screenrant.com/it-ends-with-us-book-issues-fixed/
- [4] https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/130031744.html
- [5] https://scribe.uccs.edu/opinion-colleen-hoover-is-a-subpar-author-with-unwarranted-popularity/
Claim
Colleen Hoover's podcast 'A Shot in the Dark' covers every single vaccine that's currently available.
Veracity Rating: 0 out of 4
Facts
## Evaluation of the Claim
The claim that Colleen Hoover's podcast "A Shot in the Dark" covers every single vaccine currently available cannot be verified based on the provided search results. In fact, there is no mention of a podcast by Colleen Hoover titled "A Shot in the Dark" or any podcast by her that focuses on vaccines. Colleen Hoover is known for her work as a bestselling author, particularly in the romance and contemporary fiction genres, and her involvement in book-related podcasts and discussions, such as the "Books, Beach, & Beyond" podcast where she was a guest[1].
## Available Information
– **Colleen Hoover's Work**: Colleen Hoover is a prominent author known for her novels like "It Ends with Us" and "Verity." Her work often explores themes of love, trauma, and personal growth[1][3].
– **Podcast Appearances**: While Colleen Hoover has appeared on podcasts discussing her books and writing, there is no evidence of her hosting a podcast about vaccines[1][3].
– **Lack of Evidence**: The search results do not provide any information about a podcast by Colleen Hoover focused on vaccines.
## Conclusion
Based on the available information, the claim that Colleen Hoover's podcast "A Shot in the Dark" covers every single vaccine currently available appears to be **unsubstantiated**. There is no evidence to support the existence of such a podcast or its content. Colleen Hoover is primarily recognized for her literary contributions rather than any involvement in vaccine-related content.
To verify the claim, it would be necessary to find direct evidence from Colleen Hoover or her official platforms confirming the existence and content of a podcast titled "A Shot in the Dark."
Citations
- [1] https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/colleen-hoover/id1688425643?i=1000632503162
- [2] https://snap.berkeley.edu/project/11166188
- [3] https://www.thestackspodcast.com/2024/06/26/ep-325-it-ends-with-us
- [4] https://theses.cz/id/6pfteu/Kryptoanaly_za/bin/LangStats/english/topwords.txt
- [5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q93V9gXe3zk
Claim
Colleen Hoover's 'Becoming Brae' series is ranked number one in politics on Amazon books.
Veracity Rating: 0 out of 4
Facts
## Evaluation of the Claim: Colleen Hoover's 'Becoming Brae' Series Ranked Number One in Politics on Amazon Books
To evaluate the claim that Colleen Hoover's 'Becoming Brae' series is ranked number one in politics on Amazon books, several key points need to be addressed:
1. **Existence of the Series**: The first step is to verify if Colleen Hoover has written a series called 'Becoming Brae'. Based on the available information, there is no mention of such a series in the provided search results or in general knowledge about Colleen Hoover's works.
2. **Genre and Content**: Colleen Hoover is primarily known for writing romance novels and thrillers, not political literature. Her books often focus on personal relationships, emotional journeys, and sometimes touch on social issues but are not categorized under politics[1][2].
3. **Amazon Rankings**: Amazon rankings can fluctuate frequently and are based on sales and customer interest. However, without specific evidence or a current snapshot of Amazon's charts, it's challenging to confirm any ranking, especially in a category like politics, which is not typical for Hoover's genre.
4. **Conclusion**: Given the lack of evidence supporting the existence of a 'Becoming Brae' series by Colleen Hoover and her typical genre being romance rather than politics, the claim appears to be unfounded. To confirm any Amazon ranking, real-time data from Amazon would be necessary, but based on available information, this claim seems unlikely.
In summary, without concrete evidence of the series' existence or its categorization under politics, the claim cannot be verified. Colleen Hoover's works are generally classified under romance and fiction, not politics.
Citations
- [1] https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/books/best-colleen-hoover-books/
- [2] https://postcardsbyelle.substack.com/p/colleen-hoover-a-deep-dive
- [3] https://bookvibe.com/hopeless-series-by-colleen-hoover/
- [4] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62967882-maybe-someday
Claim
Ari Emanuel is accused of using the Me Too movement to take over other people's businesses.
Veracity Rating: 0 out of 4
Facts
## Evaluating the Claim: Ari Emanuel Using the Me Too Movement to Take Over Businesses
The claim that Ari Emanuel is using the Me Too movement to take over other people's businesses lacks concrete evidence from reliable sources. While Emanuel has been involved in high-profile cases related to the Me Too movement, such as defending Blake Lively and criticizing Justin Baldoni in the context of the "It Ends With Us" drama, there is no direct evidence linking him to using the movement for business takeovers[1][2].
### Analysis of Available Information
1. **Involvement in High-Profile Cases**: Ari Emanuel, as the CEO of Endeavor and TKO, has been vocal about supporting individuals like Blake Lively in legal battles involving allegations of misconduct. However, this support does not inherently imply using the Me Too movement for business acquisitions[1].
2. **Business Practices and Reputation**: Emanuel is known for his aggressive business tactics, but there is no documented evidence that he specifically leverages the Me Too movement to acquire businesses. His actions are often driven by protecting his clients and interests, as seen in the case of firing Justin Baldoni from his agency[2].
3. **Me Too Movement Impact**: The Me Too movement has significantly influenced workplace dynamics and legal landscapes, particularly in industries like entertainment and media. While it has led to changes in corporate governance and accountability, there is no specific evidence linking Emanuel to exploiting this movement for business expansion.
### Conclusion
Based on the available information, the claim that Ari Emanuel uses the Me Too movement to take over other people's businesses appears to be unsubstantiated. Emanuel's actions in high-profile cases are more aligned with defending his clients and maintaining his business interests rather than exploiting social movements for business gain. Without concrete evidence or credible sources supporting this claim, it remains speculative and lacks factual basis.
### Recommendations for Further Investigation
– **Documented Evidence**: Look for any legal documents, business records, or investigative reports that might link Emanuel's business strategies to the Me Too movement.
– **Expert Analysis**: Consult with business analysts or legal experts who have studied Emanuel's business tactics and the broader impact of the Me Too movement on corporate practices.
– **Industry Insights**: Gather insights from industry insiders who might have firsthand knowledge of Emanuel's business strategies and their potential connection to social movements.
Citations
- [1] https://www.thewrap.com/ari-emanuel-blake-lively-justin-baldoni-bologna-it-ends-with-us/
- [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egqhoqh_rDE
- [3] https://wrestletalk.com/news/vince-mcmahon-wwe-ari-emanuel-reaction-allegations/
- [4] https://titleix.sfsu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/New%20Developments%20in%20Workplace%20Sexual%20Harassment%20January%202022%20Day-1.pdf
- [5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUqr2dNbgFc
Claim
The final vote tally to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was 52 to 48 and was nearly along party lines.
Veracity Rating: 4 out of 4
Facts
## Claim Evaluation: Confirmation Vote for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The claim states that the final vote tally to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services was 52 to 48 and was nearly along party lines. To verify this claim, we can examine official records and reliable news sources.
### Evidence from Reliable Sources
1. **Vote Tally**: Multiple reliable sources confirm that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was indeed confirmed by a vote of 52 to 48 in the U.S. Senate[1][2][3]. This vote tally aligns with the claim.
2. **Party Line Voting**: The voting pattern was largely along party lines, with most Republicans supporting Kennedy's nomination and all Democrats and independents opposing it. However, there was one notable exception: Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell voted against Kennedy, aligning with Democrats[1][3].
3. **Official Records**: While the claim suggests verifying through official legislative records, such records would typically be available on the U.S. Senate's official website or through official government publications. However, the provided sources from reputable news outlets confirm the vote details.
### Conclusion
Based on the evidence from reliable sources, the claim that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services by a vote of 52 to 48, largely along party lines, is **true**. The only deviation from strict party-line voting was Mitch McConnell's dissenting vote[1][2][3].
### Additional Context
– **Controversy Surrounding RFK Jr.**: Kennedy's confirmation was contentious due to his past statements on vaccines and other health issues, which have been a subject of debate during his confirmation hearings[4].
– **Political Implications**: The confirmation reflects a partisan divide in the Senate, with significant implications for health policy under the Trump administration[3].
Citations
- [1] https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/sens-justice-capito-on-rfk-jr-confirmation-vote
- [2] https://www.cbsnews.com/video/robert-f-kennedy-jr-confirmed-as-hhs-secretary-in-52-48-vote/
- [3] https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/senate-confirms-rfk-jr-head-hhs-52-48-vote
- [4] https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/rfk-jr-confirmation-hearing/
- [5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG1DdugqBb4
Claim
The price of gold increased by 53% during Trump's first term.
Veracity Rating: 3 out of 4
Facts
To evaluate the claim that the price of gold increased by 53% during Trump's first term, we need to examine historical gold price data from the beginning to the end of his first term.
**Trump's First Term:**
– **Start Date:** January 20, 2017
– **End Date:** January 19, 2021
**Gold Price at Key Dates:**
– **January 20, 2017:** The gold price was approximately $1,209 per ounce[1].
– **January 19, 2021:** The gold price was approximately $1,839 per ounce[1].
**Conclusion:**
The claim that the price of gold increased by 53% during Trump's first term is slightly overstated. The actual increase was approximately 52.1%, based on the gold price rising from $1,209 to $1,839 over the period[1]. While the claim is close to the actual figure, it is not entirely accurate.
**Additional Context:**
The increase in gold prices during Trump's presidency was influenced by various factors, including geopolitical tensions, trade disputes (notably with China), and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic[1][3][5]. These factors contributed to gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset, driving its price upward.
Citations
- [1] https://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/precious-metals-investing/gold-investing/gold-price-trump-re-elected/
- [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-vWEvnQTR8
- [3] https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/a-timeline-of-us-presidential-terms-and-gold-prices
- [4] https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/120649/1/OnCurating_58_WEB.pdf
- [5] https://www.royalmint.com/invest/discover/gold-news/us-elections/
Claim
Ari Emanuel enjoyed a $65 million pay package as the CEO of the TKO group last year.
Veracity Rating: 3 out of 4
Facts
To verify the claim that Ari Emanuel received a $65 million pay package as the CEO of the TKO Group last year, we can refer to recent corporate reports and industry news.
## Verification of the Claim
1. **TKO Group Compensation**: According to TKO's proxy filing, Ari Emanuel received a total compensation package of $64.9 million in 2023. This includes a salary of $911,538, a $24 million bonus, $40 million in stock awards, and $928 in "other" compensation[1]. This figure is very close to the claimed $65 million, making the claim largely accurate.
2. **Endeavor Compensation**: It's also important to note that Emanuel's compensation as CEO of Endeavor was separate from his TKO compensation. His Endeavor pay package for 2023 was $83.9 million, which included a base salary, bonuses, and stock awards[3]. However, this does not directly relate to his role or compensation specifically as CEO of the TKO Group.
3. **Context and Clarification**: The claim specifically refers to Emanuel's compensation as related to the TKO Group, which was formed through Endeavor's merger involving WWE and UFC. The TKO compensation figures support the claim, while his broader compensation as CEO of Endeavor is a separate matter.
## Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, the claim that Ari Emanuel enjoyed a $65 million pay package related to his role in the TKO Group is **substantially true**. The slight discrepancy between the reported $64.9 million and the claimed $65 million is minor and likely due to rounding. Therefore, the claim is verified with high accuracy based on corporate filings and industry reports[1][3].
Citations
- [1] https://www.thewrap.com/ari-emanuel-tko-group-2023-pay/
- [2] https://www.qwerty.geek.nz/Itaska/FBIInvestigationNotes.pdf
- [3] https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64555278/
- [4] https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/sanford_herald/items/browse?collection=50&page=5&output=omeka-xml
- [5] https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/04/24/Unpacks/ari-emanuel-65-million-pay-package/
Claim
The subpoenas issued by Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' lawyers were not limited in scope and are seeking all calls, texts, and location data spanning back two and a half years.
Veracity Rating: 4 out of 4
Facts
To evaluate the claim that the subpoenas issued by Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' lawyers are not limited in scope and seek all calls, texts, and location data spanning back two and a half years, we can examine the available information from reliable sources.
## Claim Evaluation
1. **Scope of Subpoenas**: According to reports, Blake Lively's lawyers have indeed issued subpoenas for phone records of Justin Baldoni and his associates. These subpoenas are part of an effort to "expose the people, tactics, and methods that have worked to 'destroy' and 'bury' her reputation and family over the past year" [1][2]. The subpoenas were sent to major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, seeking comprehensive records including call logs, text messages, data logs, and even real-time location information for the past 2.5 years [1][3].
2. **Response from Justin Baldoni's Team**: Justin Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, described these subpoenas as a "massive fishing expedition," indicating that they are overly broad and invasive. Freedman stated that the subpoenas seek "every single call, text, data log, and even real-time location information for the past 2.5 years, regardless of the sender, recipient, or subject matter" [1][2]. This aligns with the claim that the subpoenas are not limited in scope.
3. **Legal Context**: The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni involves allegations of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. The subpoenas are part of the discovery process in this litigation, aiming to gather evidence to support Lively's claims [1][3].
## Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, the claim that the subpoenas issued by Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' lawyers are not limited in scope and seek extensive data, including all calls, texts, and location data for 2.5 years, appears to be **true**. The subpoenas are indeed broad, as acknowledged by both sides in the legal dispute, with Baldoni's team criticizing them as overly invasive and Lively's team defending them as necessary for their case [1][2][3].
This conclusion is supported by statements from both parties involved in the litigation, highlighting the extensive nature of the information being sought through these subpoenas.
Citations
- [1] https://people.com/blake-lively-subpoenas-justin-baldoni-phone-records-to-expose-alleged-smear-campaign-11679088
- [2] https://people.com/blake-lively-lawyers-swipe-justin-baldoni-website-receipts-nowhere-11679227
- [3] https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/blake-lively-ryan-reynolds-break-cover-justin-baldoni-fights-invasive-subpoena-legal-drama
- [4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LTgyaZ80l4
- [5] https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65134539/
Claim
Blake Lively has admitted in a Glamour magazine article that she once poisoned the cast against a co-star by spreading negative opinions about him.
Veracity Rating: 4 out of 4
Facts
## Claim Evaluation: Blake Lively Admitted to Poisoning the Cast Against a Co-Star
The claim that Blake Lively admitted to "poisoning" the cast against a co-star by spreading negative opinions about him can be verified through multiple reliable sources. In a 2009 interview with *Glamour*, Blake Lively indeed confessed to initially turning her *Gossip Girl* co-stars against Penn Badgley after he was cast as Dan Humphrey. However, she also clarified that her perception of him changed positively once she got to know him better.
### Evidence from Reliable Sources
1. **Blake Lively's Statement**: In the *Glamour* interview, Lively stated, "At first I was so upset that they hired him. I actually poisoned the whole cast against him. But then they noticed that he wasn't a jerk and was actually a really nice, charming person. Almost immediately I realized that too, but it took me about a week to admit it" [1][3][4].
2. **Context and Outcome**: Despite initial reservations, Lively and Badgley developed a positive relationship both on and off-screen, even dating in real life from 2007 to 2010 [3][4].
3. **Current Relevance**: This admission has resurfaced amid Lively's legal battle with *It Ends With Us* co-star Justin Baldoni, who has accused her of defamation [1][3][5].
### Conclusion
The claim is **TRUE**. Blake Lively did admit to initially trying to turn her co-stars against Penn Badgley due to her initial dissatisfaction with his casting. However, she later realized her mistake and developed a positive relationship with him.
### Additional Context
The resurfacing of this statement coincides with Lively's ongoing legal issues, highlighting the complexities of celebrity interactions and the long-term impact of past statements in the public eye. The discussion around Lively's legal battles with Justin Baldoni also touches on broader themes of power dynamics and media influence in Hollywood, as mentioned in the podcast episode. However, the specific claim about poisoning the cast against a co-star is supported by Lively's own words from the 2009 interview.
Citations
- [1] https://www.geo.tv/latest/590557-blake-lively-shocking-old-statement-resurfaces
- [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8_oNwL9b8c
- [3] https://radaronline.com/p/blake-lively-poisoned-entire-cast-against-co-star-legal-battle-justin-baldoni-lawsuit-explodes/
- [4] https://www.boredpanda.com/blake-lively-admits-poisoning-costars-against-fellow-actor/
- [5] https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/blake-lively-admitted-once-poisoned-cast-against-co-star-mean-girl-claims-resurface
Claim
JD Vance made a speech at the Munich Security Conference critiquing the current state of freedoms in Europe.
Veracity Rating: 4 out of 4
Facts
## Evaluation of the Claim: JD Vance's Speech at the Munich Security Conference
The claim that JD Vance made a speech at the Munich Security Conference critiquing the current state of freedoms in Europe can be validated through multiple reliable sources.
### Evidence Supporting the Claim
1. **Speech Content**: JD Vance delivered a speech at the 61st Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2025, where he openly criticized the leadership of the European Union for what he described as backsliding on freedom of speech and democracy[2]. He highlighted several examples, including European Union officials' threats to shut down social media for "hateful content," Germany's raids on individuals posting misogynistic speech online, Sweden's conviction of an activist for burning the Quran, and the UK's establishment of "safe access zones" around abortion clinics[1][2].
2. **Transcript and Footage Availability**: The full transcript of JD Vance's remarks is available online, providing detailed insights into his speech[3]. Additionally, footage of the speech can be found on platforms like YouTube[4].
3. **Reaction and Impact**: The speech was met with significant reaction from European officials, with some expressing shock and consternation at Vance's critique of European policies on free speech and immigration[1][2]. This reaction underscores the impact of his speech on transatlantic relations.
### Conclusion
Based on the evidence from reliable sources, including transcripts and reports from the Munich Security Conference, it is clear that JD Vance did indeed deliver a speech critiquing the state of freedoms in Europe. His speech focused on what he perceived as a decline in democratic values, particularly regarding freedom of speech, and highlighted internal threats to European democracy rather than external ones like Russia or China[2][3]. Therefore, the claim is **valid**.
### Additional Context
JD Vance's speech was part of a broader context of changing U.S.–European relations under the second Trump administration, with tensions rising over issues like defense spending and Ukraine peace negotiations[2]. The speech was seen by some as a declaration of ideological and cultural conflict with European allies, further complicating transatlantic relations[2].
Citations
- [1] https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/14/vance-speech-munich-msc-russia-ukraine-censorship-free-speech/
- [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_JD_Vance_speech_at_the_Munich_Security_Conference
- [3] https://singjupost.com/full-transcript-vp-jd-vance-remarks-at-the-munich-security-conference/?singlepage=1
- [4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCOsgfINdKg
- [5] https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/jd-vances-speech-munich-criticism-europe-9839558/
We believe in transparency and accuracy. That’s why this blog post was verified with CheckForFacts.
Start your fact-checking journey today and make the world a more informed place!