Ryan Reynolds: Inside Hollywood’s Power Couple Love Story Blake Lively Drama Joke

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are often seen as Hollywood’s golden couple—fun-loving, charitable, stylish, and deeply in sync. But in early 2025, that picture-perfect image hit turbulence after the couple found themselves at the center of an intense legal and media firestorm.

What started as a celebration of “SNL’s” 50th anniversary soon became a viral controversy, with accusations flying about a joke allegedly referencing Lively’s ongoing legal battle with her It Ends with Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. The situation quickly spiraled, dragging Reynolds into the headlines and sparking debates across social media.

Let’s unpack what really happened behind the scenes and how this moment has redefined the public’s perception of one of Hollywood’s favorite couples.

Quick Bio Table Ryan Reynolds

The SNL50 Joke That Lit the Fire

During NBC’s “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” Reynolds was featured in an audience Q&A segment. When asked how he was doing, Reynolds replied with a smirk, “Great. Why, what have you heard?”

That punchline, seemingly harmless, sparked tension due to its perceived reference to Blake Lively’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni. Lively was visibly uncomfortable during the moment, which only fueled online speculation that the joke hit too close to home.

Cue card handler Wally Feresten later alleged on the Fifi, Fev & Nick podcast that Reynolds himself pitched the joke to replace a less edgy one during rehearsal. This claim, however, was swiftly denied by Reynolds’ representatives and NBC.

Blake Lively’s Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni

The controversy stems from Lively’s lawsuit filed in late 2024. She accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends with Us, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The lawsuit also claims Baldoni worked with PR firms to discredit her reputation and silence her voice.

Lively’s legal complaint gained momentum when two other actresses from the production stepped forward to support her claims. The amended complaint now implicates not just Baldoni but also Wayfarer Studios’ president, Jamey Heath.

In a shocking counterpunch, Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against both Lively and Reynolds, alleging defamation and intentional interference with contractual relations.

Reynolds Caught in the Crossfire

Though initially a supportive husband in the shadows of Lively’s legal ordeal, Ryan Reynolds is now being pulled into the drama himself. From being dragged into Baldoni’s lawsuit to having his name tied to a controversial SNL joke, Reynolds’ role is no longer passive.

Sources close to the matter, including one who spoke anonymously to USA TODAY, insist Reynolds was not involved in writing or pitching the joke that aired on SNL. NBC backed this claim, dismissing Feresten’s allegations.

Still, for a public that thrives on celebrity drama, perception can often outweigh truth.

Public Reaction: Divided and Intense

Social media erupted following the SNL broadcast. Some viewers saw Reynolds’ joke as tasteless, questioning how he could jest during such a sensitive time. Others argued that the reaction was overblown and that Reynolds should not be held accountable for a scripted comedy line.

Blake Lively’s visible discomfort didn’t go unnoticed. Videos capturing her reaction circulated widely, drawing sympathy from fans and sparking fresh discussions around boundaries in live comedy.

Celebrity Legal Drama in the Spotlight

Hollywood has seen its share of legal disputes, but this case has struck a deeper nerve. It combines real-life allegations of harassment, the #MeToo movement, and celebrity privilege—all under the glaring lights of a media-saturated culture.

The fact that the legal issues intersect with a blockbuster film that itself tackles domestic abuse (It Ends with Us) makes the controversy even more poignant.

Style and Solidarity at the Red Carpet

Despite the behind-the-scenes chaos, Reynolds and Lively presented a united front at the SNL50 event. Lively dazzled in a silver Tamara Ralph floral gown, while Reynolds opted for a sharp navy Thom Sweeney tux. Their chemistry on the red carpet seemed intact, at least to the public eye.

It’s worth noting that appearances can be deceiving—especially in Hollywood.

From Romance to Realism: The Couple’s Changing Narrative

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have long been praised for their witty banter and “couple goals” image. But this controversy marks a turning point in their public narrative. It’s no longer just about jokes and Instagram roasts—it’s about real-world implications, legal claims, and reputational stakes.

The Role of Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios

Justin Baldoni, known for his inspirational work and heartthrob status, now finds himself under a cloud of serious accusations. His legal team continues to deny all claims, insisting the allegations are false and part of a coordinated media attack.

Whether the courts—or public opinion—will side with Lively remains to be seen.

Hollywood Reacts in Silence

Notably, major names like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Justin Baldoni himself have remained silent on the issue. For an industry that frequently champions accountability and justice, the lack of statements has raised eyebrows.

Insiders speculate that NDAs or legal advisories might be the reason for the radio silence.

Career Impact for Reynolds and Lively

While the couple’s image has taken a hit, neither Ryan Reynolds nor Blake Lively appear to be suffering career-wise—yet. Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine is expected to smash records at the box office, and Lively has reportedly begun pre-production on a new Netflix thriller.

Still, both stars are likely reconsidering future public appearances, especially those involving unscripted moments.

Media Ethics and the Viral Era

This controversy once again highlights how quickly narratives can spiral in the age of viral content. What was meant as a nostalgic celebration of SNL turned into a trending topic about trauma, accountability, and media responsibility.

Should networks have stricter review protocols for jokes? Should spouses of alleged victims be allowed to participate in satirical segments?

These are questions many are now asking.

The Road Ahead for Ryan and Blake

As the legal proceedings unfold, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively face a difficult path—both legally and publicly. They must navigate intense scrutiny, maintain their careers, and protect their family from the harshness of public opinion.

Whether this moment marks a mere bump or a turning point in their relationship and public image remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have always captivated fans with their charm and authenticity. But fame comes with its own set of challenges, and this latest controversy reveals the fragile balance between personal pain and public persona.

With ongoing lawsuits, conflicting narratives, and the world watching closely, this Hollywood love story is currently facing one of its toughest chapters yet.

(FAQs)

Did Ryan Reynolds really write the controversial SNL joke?
No, both Reynolds and NBC denied the claim. It was likely added by the show’s writers.

What is the lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni about?
Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends with Us.

Why did Baldoni sue Reynolds and Lively?
He filed a $400 million lawsuit claiming defamation and reputational harm.

How did fans react to the SNL joke?
Reactions were mixed—some defended Reynolds, while others criticized the timing.

Are Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively still together?
Yes, they appeared united at the SNL50 premiere despite the drama.