Candace Owens believes that Brandon Sklenar may be digging himself into a hole by staying quiet, but he can still take accountability.

right image by Gage Skidmore, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

They say silence is golden, but in the case of Brandon Sklenar, it’s starting to look more like a ticking time bomb. Well, sometimes keeping quiet isn’t the safe route. Candace Owens recently shared her take on the ongoing legal drama involving Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and Justin Baldoni.

Ryan Reynolds | Credit: Junket Crashers via YouTube

As Owens explains, 1923 Season 2 star Brandon Sklenar is making a massive mistake by refusing to take responsibility for his involvement in the drama. While he remains silent, Owens believes there’s a clear path for redemption—take a page from Lively’s brother-in-law, Bart Johnson, and simply apologize.

Candace Owens calls out Ryan Reynolds’ legal move 

First, let’s talk about the one and only Ryan Reynolds—the man, the myth, the legal tactician? Candace Owens has some words about his attempt to sidestep the defamation claims in Justin Baldoni’s lawsuit. She’s clear on one thing (via YouTube):

This filing to dismiss is essentially him saying like na-na boo-boo on the defamation claim. You can’t touch me because it’s satire. He’s arguing that satire is protected speech.

As much as Reynolds’ playful demeanor on screen makes him a fan favorite, Owens is quick to point out that, legally speaking, his defense of satire isn’t a walk in the park.

A still from Candace Owens’ Candace Ep 145 | Credits: Candace Owens / YouTube

Yes, Reynolds is leaning on a solid legal strategy, but as Owens rightly notes, it’s not the only issue at hand. There are accusations of extortion and a few other uncomfortable realities hanging over his head. So, while he might have an ace up his sleeve when it comes to satire, it might not be enough to make the other charges disappear.

As for Brandon Sklenar, Owens isn’t impressed. She criticizes him for being passive and failing to take responsibility for his part in the legal drama. She goes further, calling him out for participating in skits alongside Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, even when he likely felt uncomfortable.

Why? Owens believes it’s because Sklenar is too eager to climb the ladder of success. He wants to be in the same league as Reynolds and Jackman—even if it means compromising his own sense of self. Owens says:

He just has to man up and say, ‘I’m sorry.’

Owens doesn’t hold back, accusing Sklenar of getting caught up in Hollywood’s toxic web of fame and connections.

Candace Owens urges Brandon Sklenar to follow Bart Johnson’s lead and apologize for his mistakes

Brandon Sklenar in 1923 season 2 | Credits: Paramount+

But here’s where Candace Owens seems to offer a lifeline to 1923 Season 2 star Brandon Sklenar. “I really do think it could be forgivable if you immediately backpedal and say, ‘You know what, I shouldn’t have said what I said,’” she explains.

Owens also points to a key example of someone who did it right—Bart Johnson. Blake Lively’s brother-in-law, who caused a stir with some unkind words about Justin Baldoni, publicly apologized after realizing that his comments were made hastily. He took to social media, writing (via PEOPLE):

Anytime I’ve said anything unkind about someone I’ve regretted it. Fortunately, that’s almost never and definitely not when I’m at my best… Even in times where it might ‘feel’ justified and doing the right thing, it makes no difference. There’s a better way.

Johnson admitted that it was a mistake to engage in public criticism, no matter how justified he felt at the moment.
Bart Johnson in The Christmas Spirit (2013) | Credit: Wyke Lane North Productions
This kind of reflection is exactly what Sklenar needs to do, according to Owens. The lesson? If you know better, do better. It’s as simple as that.

But here’s the rub. According to Owens, Sklenar isn’t apologizing because he’s afraid of losing his Hollywood connections. “He’s too much of a coward to go back because they established these Hollywood connections,” Owens remarks (via YouTube).

She believes Sklenar’s reluctance to apologize isn’t just about ego—it’s about Hollywood’s power dynamic. Being associated with big names like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds can open doors, but at what cost? Is it worth selling out your values and integrity for a seat at the table?