The SNL Anniversary Special: A Night of Laughter and Legal Drama

The Saturday Night Live 50th-anniversary special was a star-studded event that brought together some of Hollywood’s biggest names to celebrate a milestone in entertainment history. However, for Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, the evening also served as their first public appearance since Lively filed a lawsuit against actor and director Justin Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment. The event took an unexpected turn when Reynolds addressed the situation with his signature wit, sparking a mixed reaction from fans and insiders alike.

Reynolds’ Joke Sparks Controversy

During a Q&A segment at the event, Reynolds was asked how he was doing. His response, “Great. Why, what have you heard?” was quick-witted but raised eyebrows given the ongoing legal drama involving his wife. The comment prompted a reaction from Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, who expressed surprise at Reynolds’ decision to make light of the situation. On the Hot Mics With Billy Bush podcast, Freedman noted, “I’m unaware of anybody, frankly, whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation. I can’t think of anyone who’s done anything like that. So it surprised me.”

Freedman’s remarks highlight the tension between the lighthearted tone of the SNL anniversary event and the gravity of the allegations at hand. The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni has been making headlines for months, with both sides presenting diametrically opposed accounts of the events in question. Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and attempting to damage her reputation, while Baldoni has denied all allegations and filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against both Lively and Reynolds. The case, which is set to go to trial in 2026, has left fans and industry insiders divided.

A Look at the Legal Battle

The legal drama between Lively and Baldoni began after months of speculation about a rift between the two on the set of It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The project, which explores themes of domestic violence and personal empowerment, holds deep significance for both actors and their audiences. Lively’s lawsuit, filed in December 2024, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment, a claim he has vehemently denied. In response, Baldoni filed a defamation lawsuit, alleging that Lively and Reynolds are attempting to portray him as the “villain” in a real-life drama.

Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer, has been vocal in defending his client’s character, emphasizing that Baldoni is “grateful to be with his family” and finding some semblance of peace in Hawaii amid the turmoil. “Like anyone else who would be going through a situation where you’re accused of something you did not do and are suffering in a public way, I think it’s distressful, to say the least,” Freedman said during the podcast interview. He also highlighted Baldoni’s generosity in allowing victims of a recent fire to stay in his home, a gesture that reflects his commitment to helping others despite his own challenges.

A Co-Star Weighs In

As the legal battle continues to unfold, one of Baldoni’s co-stars from It Ends With Us, Brandon Sklenar, has been pressed for his take on the situation. During an interview on CBS Mornings, Sklenar was asked whether he sided with “Team Blake” or “Team Justin.” Instead of taking sides, Sklenar chose to focus on the film’s message and the importance of keeping the conversation centered on its themes of resilience and empowerment.

“I’m Team It Ends With Us,” Sklenar said with a smile. “I just want people to remember why we made the movie in the first place and what it stands for.” Sklenar shared a deeply personal connection to the film’s subject matter, revealing that someone close to him has been affected by experiences similar to those depicted in the story. “Me doing that film gave her the strength to change her life,” he said, emphasizing how much the project meant to him and his loved one. He expressed disappointment that the legal drama had overshadowed the film’s intended message, calling it “unfortunate” that the conversation had become “convoluted.”

The Bigger Picture

As the legal battle between Lively, Reynolds, and Baldoni continues to dominate headlines, it raises important questions about how we navigate conversations around harassment, defamation, and public perception. The situation is a stark reminder of how quickly personal and professional lives can intersect, especially in the high-stakes world of Hollywood. For fans of It Ends With Us, the film’s themes of resilience and empowerment take on a new layer of complexity as the actors involved face their own real-life challenges.

Ultimately, the outcome of the legal case will depend on the evidence presented in court. Until then, the public will continue to watch with bated breath as this drama unfolds. For now, the hope is that the conversation around It Ends With Us can return to its core message—a story of hope, healing, and the strength to overcome adversity.