Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have always been Hollywood’s golden couple, but their recent appearance at Saturday Night Live’s 50th-anniversary celebration has sparked controversy. With their high-profile legal battle against actor-director Justin Baldoni making waves, their decision to attend the star-studded event has left many in the industry divided. Was it a bold statement of confidence, or a PR misstep?
Inside sources reveal that Lively and Reynolds became the center of attention at SNL 50, with some guests questioning why they chose to show up amid ongoing legal drama. Reports indicate that several attendees were confused and even avoided the couple. One Hollywood insider was overheard saying, “Who told them to come?” Yet, outside the event, the narrative was entirely different—fans greeted them with loud cheers as they arrived at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. They were also seen engaging warmly with fellow celebrities, including Dakota Johnson and Woody Harrelson. After the show, the couple lingered inside the venue, mingling and taking photos before eventually leaving with Paul McCartney, opting to skip the after-party.
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However, it wasn’t just their presence that stirred debate. Reynolds made a seemingly offhand joke during the live broadcast that quickly became a focal point of discussion. When asked how he was doing, the Deadpool star quipped, “Great! Why, what have you heard?” While the audience laughed, some critics felt the remark was tone-deaf given the gravity of the allegations surrounding them. Insiders suggest Baldoni’s legal team could leverage this moment in his defense, arguing that Reynolds’ lighthearted approach undermines the seriousness of their claims.
This incident has fueled a heated discussion in Hollywood. Some believe Lively and Reynolds should have stayed out of the spotlight to avoid influencing public perception of the lawsuit. Others argue that they have every right to live their lives without hiding. A close source revealed, “Blake was initially hesitant to attend the SNL 50th anniversary show, but ultimately, she’s glad she went and had a great time. They don’t regret their decision because they have nothing to hide.”
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The controversy comes in the wake of Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni, which she filed in December 2024. She accused him of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us and alleged that he orchestrated a smear campaign to destroy her reputation. These claims were detailed in a bombshell New York Times exposé. Shortly after, Lively formally sued Baldoni for sexual harassment, breach of contract, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. Baldoni, in turn, filed a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their PR team, vehemently denying all allegations.
With the legal battle intensifying, the couple’s SNL appearance has only amplified scrutiny. Whether it was a strategic move or an unintended misstep, one thing is certain—Hollywood and the world are watching closely. As the case unfolds, public perception will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative surrounding one of the industry’s most talked-about legal battles.