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The ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken a new turn, with Baldoni’s legal team reportedly considering using Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ recent appearance at the Saturday Night Live (SNL) 50th anniversary special as part of their defense. The couple’s attendance, coupled with Reynolds’ lighthearted joke about the legal drama, has sparked controversy and raised questions about its potential impact on the case.
The Controversial Appearance at SNL 50
A Red Carpet Return Amid Legal Turmoil
On Sunday, February 16, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds made their first red carpet appearance since Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. The couple attended the SNL 50 anniversary special, where Reynolds made a brief cameo that included a joke referencing the ongoing legal drama.When asked how he was doing during the live show, Reynolds quipped, “Great! Why, what have you heard?” While the studio audience laughed, the comment was met with mixed reactions online, with many viewers criticizing the joke for making light of serious allegations.
Justin Baldoni’s legal team may use Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s appearance at the “Saturday Night Live” anniversary special in the director’s defense.Jackie Brown / SplashNews.com
Hollywood’s Mixed Reactions
Hollywood insiders have expressed concerns about the couple’s decision to attend the event. One insider told Page Six, “People in Hollywood think Blake and Ryan attending the SNL 50th anniversary show was not a good look. They think they should have sat this one out.” The public outing, combined with Reynolds’ flippant comment, has fueled speculation about its potential implications for Lively’s legal case.
Reynolds made a joke about the ongoing lawsuits during a brief cameo.NBC
Legal Implications of the SNL Appearance
Baldoni’s Legal Team’s Perspective
According to sources, Justin Baldoni’s legal team is considering using the couple’s SNL appearance in their defense. “It’s very plausible that Justin’s legal team will use this public outing to defend him,” an insider revealed. Baldoni’s team reportedly views Reynolds’ joke as an opportunity to argue that the couple is not taking the lawsuit seriously, which could influence public perception and potentially sway a jury.Baldoni, who has denied all allegations against him, has maintained that he is treating the lawsuit with the utmost seriousness. “Justin is taking this lawsuit in all seriousness and isn’t making a public mockery out of it,” the insider added.
A Judge’s Warning
Both parties in the legal battle were previously warned by a judge to avoid making public statements or engaging in actions that could influence a potential jury. Despite this, the lawsuits have continued to play out in the press, with both sides facing scrutiny for their handling of the situation.
The Legal Battle: A Timeline of Events
Lively’s Allegations Against Baldoni
In December 2024, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. The allegations stem from their work together on the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel It Ends With Us. Lively claimed that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate behavior on set and later attempted to “destroy” her reputation through a calculated smear campaign.The allegations were detailed in a New York Times article titled, “‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine,” which further fueled public interest in the case.
Baldoni’s Countersuit
Less than two weeks after Lively’s lawsuit was filed, Baldoni responded with a $400 million defamation and extortion countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their PR team. Baldoni accused Lively of extortion and claimed she had taken over the film project. His countersuit also included claims of invasion of privacy, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and intentional interference with contractual relations.In addition, Baldoni filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against the New York Times, alleging that the publication had “cherry-picked and altered communications stripped of necessary context and deliberately spliced to mislead.”
Reynolds and Lively’s Perspective
No Regrets About Attending
Despite the backlash, sources close to Reynolds and Lively insist that the couple has no regrets about attending the SNL 50th anniversary special. “Blake and Ryan have no regrets about making an appearance at the show,” a second insider shared. “They’re glad they showed up because they have nothing to hide and no reason not to.”The source also revealed that Lively was initially hesitant to attend the event but ultimately enjoyed herself. “Blake was initially hesitant to attend the SNL 50th anniversary show, but ultimately she’s glad she attended and had a really nice time.”
A Night to Remember
The couple reportedly stayed at Studio 8H, where SNL is filmed, until the very end of the event. They were seen leaving with Paul McCartney and his wife, and Reynolds took time to pose for photos with crew members, further showcasing their willingness to engage with fans and maintain a positive public image.
What’s Next?
The Road to Trial
The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni is set to go to trial in March 2026. As both sides prepare their cases, the SNL appearance and Reynolds’ joke may become a focal point in the courtroom. Whether Baldoni’s legal team can successfully use the incident to their advantage remains to be seen.
Public Perception and Legal Strategy
The controversy surrounding the SNL appearance highlights the delicate balance between public life and legal proceedings. For Lively and Reynolds, their decision to attend the event reflects their confidence in their position, but it also underscores the challenges of navigating a high-profile legal battle in the public eye.As the case unfolds, the impact of their SNL outing will likely continue to be a topic of discussion, both in Hollywood and beyond.
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