Perez Hilton Responds To ‘Ridiculous’ Blake Lively Subpoena Ahead Of Court Date

The explosive feud between actress Blake Lively and filmmaker Justin Baldoni over their movie "It Ends With Us" has taken yet another shocking turn. What started as a creative clash has spiraled into one of Hollywood's ugliest legal wars, now dragging celebrity blogger Perez Hilton straight into the courtroom spotlight. This Thursday, August 28, a Las Vegas federal court will hear arguments over a subpoena issued to Perez Hilton, born Mario Lavandeira Jr., demanding he hand over private communications and work product related to his coverage of the case.

Lively's legal team alleges Hilton published more than 500 negative pieces about her, many using mocking nicknames, while siding with Baldoni. The actress claims Hilton's reporting fits into an "untraceable smear campaign" that she says was orchestrated by her former co-star.

But Perez Hilton insists he's done nothing wrong, and that Lively's subpoena is an overreach that could have chilling consequences for journalists across the country.

Ahead of his August 28 court date, Hilton told The Blast exclusively that at first, he naively thought the subpoena would be "fun" because he "loves attention" and believed the law was on his side. But reality quickly set in.

"Now that this has been going on for over five weeks, I can reveal I was painfully mistaken," Hilton admitted. "This has been such a distraction from my work and my life. It has taken me away from my children and really become all-consuming. I can't stop thinking about it all. Even in the shower!"

Representing himself without an attorney, Hilton says he's poured dozens of hours into preparing for Thursday's hearing. "I'm in my Elle Woods era. I feel like Kim Kardashian studying to become a lawyer," he joked, adding that hiring his high-priced legal team would have already cost him more than $50,000.

Perez Hilton argues that the subpoena is overly broad, reaching back to May 2024, and that Lively is trying to force him to reveal confidential sources, something he says both federal and Nevada "shield laws" are intended to protect.

"This isn't just about me," he stressed. "It could potentially impact journalists all over the country, especially as more leave traditional media and go digital only. Blake Lively is arguing I'm not a journalist because I'm not with a newspaper or TV network. That's ridiculous."

Hilton believes Lively's actions go far beyond his situation. "Blake Lively has gone hard against critics, not just me. She issued subpoenas to over 107 creator-journalists," he said.

According to Perez Hilton, the actress sees anyone who questions her narrative as part of a coordinated smear campaign. However, he insists that his reporting was based solely on the documents and evidence filed in court, not on talking points or incentives from Baldoni's camp.

"I think it's preposterous to think I would need encouragement to cover this story," Hilton explained. "I did that all on my own, based on Blake's own actions and filings. And I think a lot of what she's been doing in 2025 is damage control. She believed the public would be on her side. But it appears the public is fully in support of Justin Baldoni. And she is not pleased."

When asked why this fight has escalated to such extremes, Hilton believes it's less about the film and more about public perception.

"Blake Lively would not have filed this litigation if Justin Baldoni had agreed to put out the statement that she and Ryan Reynolds wrote for him to release. But he refused," Hilton told The Blast.

The blogger pointed out that Baldoni's billionaire business partner, Steve Sarowitz, has been footing the legal bills for the director and Wayfarer Studios, while Lively and Reynolds have their own vast resources.

"Both sides care about the truth as they see it, but just as much about public perception," Hilton said. "I think there's still a high possibility this settles before trial in 2026, just like FKA Twigs and Shia LaBeouf's case. But for now, Justin Baldoni has already won the court of public opinion."

Still, Perez Hilton noted that a jury verdict against Lively could be catastrophic for her career. "If a jury determines there was no harassment, that she misrepresented the facts, that would be more damaging than what's already happened."

Despite the stress, Hilton says the ordeal has only strengthened his resolve.

"This fight has emboldened me because it's not just about me. It's about all journalists," he said. "Even big names like Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon, and Megyn Kelly have pivoted to digital. Blake Lively is arguing those journalists shouldn't have equal protection. That's ridiculous."

Hilton believes Thursday's hearing could set a major precedent. "What's at stake is showing the rich and famous cannot use their money and power to harass, intimidate, and silence critics. No court so far has sided with Blake Lively. I don't think this judge will be the first."

With a laugh, Hilton signed off, "Call me Perezelle Woods Hilton-Kardashian."