Culture Craze
Justin Baldoni’s Legal Team May Use Ryan Reynolds’ “SNL” Joke to Bolster Defence in Harassment Lawsuit
n a highly publicized legal battle, Justin Baldoni, the 40-year-old director, faces serious allegations from Blake Lively, 37, regarding sexual harassment, extortion, and defamation. These accusations, made in December 2024, are tied to Baldoni’s involvement in the 2024 film adaptation of It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel.
However, in an unexpected twist, Baldoni’s legal team may turn to Ryan Reynolds’ comments during the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special to strengthen his defence. Reynolds’ lighthearted response to a question, “Great! Why, what have you heard?”, could play a significant role in the case, according to a source speaking to Page Six.
A Public Defence in the Midst of Serious Allegations
The lawsuit, which has garnered widespread attention, alleges that Baldoni sexually harassed Lively while on the set of the film. Lively claims that the director attempted to “destroy” her reputation through a public smear campaign. This smear campaign was reportedly detailed in a New York Times article titled “We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine”. Lively’s legal action includes accusations of sexual harassment, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, and infliction of emotional distress.
Despite the severity of the accusations, a source close to Baldoni emphasized that the director is taking the matter seriously. “Justin is taking this lawsuit in all seriousness and isn’t making a public mockery out of it,” the source stated. It appears Baldoni’s team may use Reynolds’ joke to highlight the public nature of the case and potentially cast doubt on Lively’s claims. The legal strategy aims to argue that the media coverage and Reynolds’ remarks could be seen as an indication of the case’s exaggerated or misunderstood nature.
Counterclaims and Defamation Lawsuits
Baldoni has firmly denied the accusations, countering with his own defamation and extortion lawsuit. He is seeking $400 million in damages from Lively, Reynolds, and their PR team. Baldoni’s legal team argues that Lively attempted to extort him while taking control of the film, further complicating the public feud.
In addition to the lawsuits against Lively and Reynolds, Baldoni has filed a $250 million libel suit against the New York Times. He accuses the publication of manipulating communications to mislead the public by cherry-picking and altering key details, stripping them of their necessary context.
Reynolds and Lively Stand by Their Actions
A second source revealed that despite the growing tension, Reynolds and Lively have no regrets about attending the SNL 50th anniversary special. The couple reportedly stands by their actions, stating that they are “glad they showed up because they have nothing to hide and no reason not to.”
As the case unfolds, it continues to capture the attention of the public, with a trial scheduled for March 2026. The outcome of this high-profile legal battle will undoubtedly have significant implications for both Baldoni’s career and his personal life.
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