Ryan Reynolds stirred up buzz with a bold joke about Justin Baldoni during the “SNL 50” anniversary special. A longtime “SNL” staffer, Wally Feresten, said Ryan Reynolds pitched the quip himself. The joke targeted the legal feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds’ wife, over her “It Ends With Us” experience. Feresten shared this on the “Fifi, Fev and Nick” podcast Tuesday. He noted Ryan Reynolds swapped a rehearsal line for the edgy zinger, adding it was all his idea.
During the special, Ryan Reynolds sat with Blake Lively in the audience. Comedians Tina Fey and Amy Poehler called him out. When asked how he’s doing, Ryan Reynolds grinned and said he’s great, then asked what they’d heard. The line nodded to Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. However, a source close to Ryan Reynolds denied he wrote it, and NBC backed that up. Still, the moment sparked chatter—and some backlash.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s Big Night
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively turned heads at “SNL 50.” Yet, Justin Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, didn’t laugh. He said he was shocked Ryan Reynolds would joke about sexual harassment claims tied to his wife. Freedman, speaking on “Hot Mics with Billy Bush,” called it a rare move. Meanwhile, an insider told Page Six that Justin Baldoni’s team might use the outing to strengthen his case. They said Justin Baldoni takes the lawsuit seriously, unlike the couple’s public jest.
Fans also weighed in online. Some called Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s appearance gross, accusing “SNL” of siding with bullies. One user slammed the show for mocking victims, citing past sketches. The noise grew louder after Blake Lively filed an updated complaint against Justin Baldoni in New York federal court Tuesday. She claimed other women felt uneasy around Justin Baldoni on set and would testify. For Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, the night stirred more than laughs.
Justin Baldoni’s Legal Fight Heats Up
Justin Baldoni faces mounting pressure from Blake Lively’s allegations. Her lawsuit stems from their time on “It Ends With Us.” After Ryan Reynolds’ joke, Hollywood insiders whispered it wasn’t a good look for the couple. The legal battle now looms larger. Blake Lively’s amended filing came fast, suggesting the “SNL” fallout hit hard. Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively keep smiling, but Justin Baldoni’s team stays focused. The courtroom, not the comedy stage, will settle this one.
Ryan Reynolds, 48, and Blake Lively, 37, remain in the spotlight. Their “SNL 50” moment—funny to some, risky to others—shows they’re not shying away. For now, Justin Baldoni holds his ground as the drama unfolds.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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