During the “Saturday Night Live” 50th Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025, Ryan Reynolds made a quip that has since drawn criticism from Justin Baldoni’s legal team. In a segment where Tina Fey and Amy Poehler interacted with the audience, Poehler asked Reynolds, “How’s it going?” Reynolds, seated next to his wife, Blake Lively, responded with a jesting, “Great! Why, what have you heard?” This remark appeared to reference the ongoing legal disputes involving Lively and Baldoni.
Bryan Freedman, attorney for Baldoni, expressed surprise at Reynolds’ lighthearted approach to the serious allegations. Freedman stated, “I’m unaware of anybody, frankly, whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation.” He further emphasized the gravity of the accusations, suggesting that such matters are not appropriate for humor.
The legal battle began in December 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni has denied these claims and countersued for defamation and extortion. The public nature of the dispute has led to heightened media attention, with both parties maintaining their innocence.
Reynolds’ decision to incorporate a joke about the situation during a high-profile event has sparked debate about the appropriateness of addressing ongoing legal matters in a public forum. As the legal proceedings continue, the intersection of celebrity, media, and the justice system remains under scrutiny.
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