Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds made a notable joint appearance on the red carpet for the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary special in New York City on Sunday, marking their first public outing since the onset of Lively’s legal dispute with Justin Baldoni. The couple looked elegant, with Lively donning a dazzling silver gown complemented by Reynolds’ classic tuxedo, and they shared smiles and laughter while posing for photographers.
During the SNL special, Reynolds participated in a humorous question-and-answer sketch featuring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, playfully responding to their inquiries about his well-being with, “Great. Why? What have you heard?”
The legal turmoil surrounding Lively began in December when she filed a complaint leading to a civil sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, who directed and starred alongside her in “It Ends With Us.” Lively’s lawsuit claims that the production faced a “hostile work environment” and highlights her allegations of ongoing sexual harassment, stating that these issues were serious enough to nearly derail filming. Furthermore, she accuses Baldoni’s public relations team of initiating a campaign to damage her reputation in retaliation for voicing her concerns about his behavior on set.
In response, Baldoni has denied the allegations and filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and her publicist, Leslie Sloane. He also pursued a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming the publication disseminated misleading information regarding the situation when it first reported Lively’s complaint.
The trial is scheduled for March 2026. Meanwhile, the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the SNL anniversary provided a brief respite from the ongoing legal battles, allowing the couple to enjoy an evening in the limelight.
This nod to resilience in the face of challenges reflects the spirit of hope and connection that continues to thrive in the entertainment industry, even amidst controversies.