Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds made a stunning return to the spotlight at SNL50: The Anniversary Special. Fans, however, were not impressed. Many accused the show of trying to repair the couple’s image amid their legal battle with director Justin Baldoni.
Star-studded night overshadowed by controversy
The couple joined Hollywood heavyweights like Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and Bill Murray. But all eyes were on Lively, who had been absent from public events for two months due to her ongoing feud with Baldoni.
Reynolds’ joke falls flat
During a comedy skit, Reynolds jokingly referenced the scandal. When asked how he was doing, he quipped, “Great – why, what have you heard?” The attempt at humor didn’t sit well with viewers, who saw it as a desperate move to shift the narrative.
Social media erupts with criticism
Fans quickly slammed SNL’s perceived attempt at “damage control.” One wrote, “How sweet of SNL to try and clean up Ryan and Blake’s mess—but it won’t work.” Others labeled the couple “cringe” and called out their alleged role in Baldoni’s lawsuit.
Lively’s red carpet comeback
Lively’s last public appearance was at the Beauty Inc Awards in December. Since then, her name has been linked to legal drama. She arrived at SNL50 in a dazzling silver gown, attempting to reclaim her place in the spotlight.
The lawsuit that shook Hollywood
Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment. In retaliation, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit, claiming Lively, Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane orchestrated a smear campaign against him. Both sides deny the allegations.
Chevy Chase’s photo stirs more drama
SNL alum Chevy Chase shared a group picture on Instagram featuring Reynolds and Lively front and center. Fans were quick to react. “Not Ryan and Blake, but love everyone else!” one user commented. Others mocked Lively, referencing Baldoni’s claims.
More allegations surface
Baldoni’s legal team released a website featuring text exchanges that allegedly prove the couple tried to undermine his authority on It Ends with Us. The controversy extended to Lively’s other projects, with fans speculating she may have influenced Another Simple Favor’s production.
When questioned online about Lively’s involvement, director Paul Feig insisted, “It’s my cut. There is no other cut.” He defended Lively, calling her “amazing” and “supportive.” Fans remained skeptical, arguing that Lively manipulates less powerful directors.
Despite Feig’s defense, the backlash continued. Some fans accused Lively of exploiting her influence to control film productions. Others predicted that Another Simple Favor’s promotion would be derailed by the ongoing drama.
Baldoni accused Lively and Reynolds of using their star power to sideline him. According to court filings, Lively even enlisted Taylor Swift to pressure him into making changes. His legal team insists the lawsuit will reveal the truth.
Online discussions turned into a frenzy, with users questioning Lively’s involvement in multiple productions. “Did Ryan rewrite a scene?” one person asked. Others sarcastically referenced her alleged “Game of Thrones” tactics, calling Reynolds and Swift her “dragons.”
Prime video caught in the crossfire
As Prime Video promoted Another Simple Favor, fans flooded the comments with snarky remarks. “Is this the real version or did Blake edit it?” one joked. Many believe the film’s release will be overshadowed by the lawsuit.
Hollywood’s biggest legal battle unfolds
Baldoni’s lawsuit isn’t just about money—it’s about reputation. He claims Lively manipulated behind the scenes, while she insists he harassed her. Their trial is set for 2026, but the battle for public opinion is already raging.
The legal feud between Lively and Baldoni is far from over. As new evidence emerges, Hollywood braces for more shocking revelations. One thing is certain—this scandal isn’t dying down anytime soon.
