Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer Breaks Silence on SNL

SNL Anniversary Sparks Controversy

The 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live was supposed to be a night of celebration, but it took an unexpected turn when Ryan Reynolds made a joke that touched on his ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni.

The remark surprised many, especially Baldoni’s legal team, who found it inappropriate given the severity of the allegations involved. The incident has reignited discussions surrounding the lawsuit, drawing attention to the complex and public feud between the Hollywood stars.

The Joke That Started It All

During the “SNL 50” anniversary special, Ryan Reynolds participated in a Q&A segment with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. When asked how he was doing, Reynolds quipped, “Great! Why? What have you heard?”

This remark was widely interpreted as a nod to the ongoing legal dispute involving his wife, Blake Lively, and director Justin Baldoni.​ There is conflicting information regarding the origin of Reynolds’s joke.

Wally Feresten, SNL’s cue card handler, claimed that Reynolds proposed the line during rehearsals, replacing a different line initially planned. Blake Lively’s reaction to the joke has been a topic of discussion.

Some viewers noted that she appeared surprised or caught off guard, suggesting she might not have been aware of the joke beforehand. However, others argue that, given the scripted nature of SNL, her reaction could have been part of the performance.

Baldoni’s Lawyer Speaks Out

Bryan Freedman, attorney for Justin Baldoni, expressed surprise at Reynolds’ joke. In an interview, he stated, “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. It surprised me”. However, there is no public record indicating that Freedman suggested the joke could be used as evidence in court.

The Legal Drama Explained

The dispute began in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department, accusing Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and a smear campaign orchestrated post-filming in 2024.

Baldoni countersued Lively and Ryan Reynolds for $400 million. He sued The New York Times for $250 million, claiming libel over their coverage of Lively’s allegations.

Couple’s First Appearance Since Lawsuit

Despite the legal turmoil, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively made a stunning red carpet appearance at the SNL 50th anniversary event. This marked their first major public outing since the lawsuit became public knowledge.

A source revealed that Lively was initially hesitant about attending but ultimately enjoyed the night. Their presence at such a high-profile event and Reynolds’ joke suggested confidence, or perhaps an effort to maintain normalcy.

Baldoni’s Retreat to Hawaii

As the legal battle escalated, Justin Baldoni was spotted in Hawaii with his wife and children. Though it appeared to be a vacation, his lawyer clarified that Baldoni was seeking solace with his family rather than enjoying a getaway.

Freedman emphasized that Baldoni was facing distress and hardship as he navigated serious allegations and media scrutiny.

The Counterclaims and Defamation Suit

In response to Lively’s accusations, Baldoni filed a countersuit alleging defamation and reputational damage. He claimed that Lively had orchestrated a narrative to gain control over the film’s production and damage his career.

As part of his legal strategy, Baldoni released text messages and other evidence to challenge Lively’s claims, arguing that the lawsuit was an attempt to manipulate public perception.

The Role of the Media

The lawsuit took a dramatic turn when Baldoni sued The New York Times for its coverage of Lively’s allegations. He argued that the publication’s article painted him in an unfair light, contributing to a public smear campaign.

This move raised questions about media responsibility and how high-profile legal battles are covered in the press.

Blake Lively’s Subpoenas for Evidence

Blake Lively’s attorneys issued subpoenas to AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile seeking call logs, text logs, data logs, and cell site location information related to Justin Baldoni and his associates.

However, a federal judge later quashed these subpoenas, deeming them “overly intrusive and disproportionate to the needs of the case. This legal maneuver suggests that Lively’s team is confident in uncovering communication that could support her claims.

Hollywood Reacts to the Lawsuit

The Baldoni-Lively legal battle has divided Hollywood. Some celebrities have publicly supported Lively, while others have remained silent or expressed concerns about rushing to judgment.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, many in the industry are treading carefully, waiting for more developments before taking a stance.

Co-Star Speaks Out

Brandon Sklenar, who also starred in It Ends With Us, addressed the controversy during an interview with Gayle King. He urged people to remember why the movie was made and to focus on its message rather than the surrounding drama.

While he did not take sides, his comments highlighted how the legal battle has overshadowed the film’s original purpose.

The Impact on It Ends With Us

The lawsuit has cast a shadow over It Ends With Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Initially highly anticipated, the movie is now at risk of being overshadowed by off-screen controversy.

Whether the lawsuit will impact its release, box office success, or public reception remains to be seen.

The Power of Public Perception

As the lawsuit plays out, public perception will play a significant role in shaping each party’s reputation. With Baldoni releasing evidence to defend himself and Lively seeking more proof through subpoenas, both sides are fighting not just a legal battle but also a PR war.

How fans and the industry react may determine the long-term consequences for everyone involved.

Reynolds and Lively’s Next Move

Despite the legal drama, Reynolds and Lively continue to appear unfazed in public. Whether their legal team will take further action or let the lawsuit play out remains unclear.

Their decision to joke about the situation at SNL suggests they are confident, but legal experts say the case is far from over.

What’s Next for Baldoni?

For Baldoni, the priority seems to be maintaining his innocence and preserving his career. His legal team is working to challenge the allegations, and his decision to release text messages suggests he is willing to fight aggressively.

Whether this strategy will work or backfire depends on how the case unfolds in court. Amid the controversy, The unexpected success of It Ends With Us proves that Justin’s career remains a topic of discussion beyond the legal battle.

The Ongoing Battle for Justice

As this legal saga continues, the battle for justice may remain the focus. Whether the courts will favor Lively’s claims or Baldoni’s counterarguments is yet to be determined.

One thing is certain: this high-profile case is far from over and industry professionals would be watching closely. The controversy continues to grow, especially after the Intimacy Coordinator Who Recently Broke Down It Ends With Us.

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