Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been entangled in a legal feud that has captivated public attention. Their joint film, "It Ends With Us," released in August 2024, was supposed to be a cinematic triumph. However, rumors of an alleged feud emerged during the film's press tour, leading to a complex legal saga that continues to unfold. Baldoni hired a crisis management team in August 2024, preempting the storm of controversy that would follow.
In December, Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, further alleging that he spearheaded a smear campaign against her. The legal battle escalated with Lively filing a lawsuit and Baldoni responding with a countersuit, setting the stage for a trial date on March 9, 2026. Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds, Lively's husband, has largely remained detached from this public conflict. Nonetheless, controversy arose when Baldoni's lawyer claimed that Reynolds' "Nicepool" character in the film "Deadpool & Wolverine" mocked Lively.
The saga reached new heights when a New York Times investigation uncovered significant repercussions for Baldoni. The fallout included his podcast host departing their show and his former publicist suing him for breach of contract. This ongoing dispute proved to be a sensitive topic during the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special. Although the hosts, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, attempted to steer clear of the subject, it could not be entirely ignored.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively addressed their situation with humor during the special, drawing a skeptical response from Poehler. She suggested they "go to the hospital right away," implying the severity of their circumstances.
"Yes, they should go to the hospital right away. Good luck." – Amy Poehler
Despite the lighthearted approach on SNL, the legal proceedings are no laughing matter. The trial in 2026 will undoubtedly shed more light on the allegations and counterclaims between Lively and Baldoni. Until then, public interest is likely to remain high as new developments unfold.
