Ryan Reynolds has pushed back against claims that he was responsible for a viral joke referencing his wife, Blake Lively’s, ongoing legal battle.
The controversy arose following the SNL50: The Anniversary Special,
where Reynolds made a quip that some believed alluded to Lively’s high-profile lawsuit against actor and director Justin Baldoni.
Did Reynolds Pitch the Joke? ‘SNL’ Staffer’s Claims Spark Debate
Shortly after the special aired, Wally Feresten, Saturday Night Live’s longtime cue card handler, claimed on the Fifi,
Fev & Nick podcast that Reynolds was actively involved in crafting the joke in question.
“He had a different line during rehearsal, but he pitched that replacement,” Feresten alleged. “That was his idea. …
We wouldn’t have included something that controversial unless the person involved was okay with it.”
The moment in question occurred during a segment where SNL legends Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took questions from the audience. Reynolds stood up, and when Poehler asked how he was doing, he responded, “Great. Why, what have you heard?” Observers noted that Lively appeared visibly uncomfortable during the exchange, fueling speculation that the joke was an intentional reference to her lawsuit.
Reynolds and NBC Deny Allegations
However, Reynolds’ representatives quickly denied the claim, stating that Feresten’s version of events was false. “That’s not true,” a spokesperson for the actor told USA TODAY on Thursday. NBC, the network behind SNL, also backed Reynolds’ statement, emphasizing that he was not responsible for the joke’s inclusion.
A separate source, speaking anonymously to USA TODAY, reaffirmed that Reynolds had no hand in crafting or modifying the joke, but did not go into further detail.
The Lawsuit That Casts a Shadow Over ‘It Ends with Us’
The alleged joke’s controversy stems from a high-stakes legal battle between Lively and Baldoni, who co-starred in and directed the 2024 film adaptation of It Ends with Us. The legal dispute began in December when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the film’s production. Her lawsuit claims that Baldoni, along with PR firms, orchestrated efforts to discredit her and damage her career.
On New Year’s Eve, Lively escalated the matter by filing a formal lawsuit against Baldoni, who has repeatedly denied the allegations. In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit against both Lively and Reynolds, seeking $400 million in damages.
The case has drawn increasing public attention, particularly as Lively’s legal team has stated that two other actresses who worked on the film are prepared to testify against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios president Jamey Heath.
Industry Reactions and Public Fallout
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, weighed in on the SNL controversy, telling Billy Bush on the Hot Mics podcast, “I’m not aware of anyone whose wife has been sexually harassed and then willingly jokes about it on national television.” His comments suggested skepticism toward the idea that Reynolds would have personally approved such a joke, reinforcing Reynolds’ own denial.
Meanwhile, It Ends with Us author Colleen Hoover has distanced herself from the legal drama. The best-selling author briefly deactivated her Instagram account amid the ongoing controversy, returning only after removing multiple posts related to the film’s promotion.
Despite the turmoil surrounding its cast, the film was a box office success, grossing $351 million worldwide for Sony Pictures.
Lively and Reynolds’ Public Appearance at ‘SNL50’
Despite the swirling legal battles, Lively and Reynolds attended SNL50: The Anniversary Special together, presenting a united front. The couple, known for their playful banter and strong relationship, appeared in high spirits on the red carpet. Lively dazzled in a silver Tamara Ralph floral-accented gown, while Reynolds opted for a sleek midnight navy tuxedo by Thom Sweeney.
Their appearance at the event marked one of their first public outings since the lawsuit made headlines, drawing even more attention to the SNL joke that followed.
What’s Next for the Case?
As legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how Lively and Baldoni’s battle will unfold in court. With new witnesses allegedly set to come forward, the case could take a dramatic turn in the coming months.
For now, Reynolds remains firm in his denial of any involvement in the SNL joke, while the legal drama between his wife and Baldoni continues to make waves in Hollywood.
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