Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively made a memorable appearance at the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special in New York City, blending humor and unity amid a challenging time. The couple, who had not been seen together on the red carpet since August 2024, stepped out in style for the star-studded comedy event. Reynolds, known for his witty humor, lightened the mood when Tina Fey and Amy Poehler called him out during the show. "Great! Why, what have you heard?" he quipped in response to a playful question about how he was doing. The moment seemed to nod to the recent drama surrounding Lively’s It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, with whom she is currently embroiled in a legal battle. Despite the tension, the couple appeared in high spirits, showcasing their resilience and unity.
Lively and Reynolds were dressed to impress for the occasion. The actress stunned in a silver sequined gown, accessorized with matching silver heels and elegant droplet earrings. Reynolds, ever the classic gentleman, donned a sleek black tuxedo. The two were photographed embracing on the red carpet, exuding a sense of togetherness. They also mingled with other A-list guests, including Dakota Johnson, and were spotted taking a selfie with Chevy Chase the night before at Chris Rock’s 60th birthday celebration. Their public display of affection and camaraderie highlighted their commitment to one another amid the ongoing legal turmoil.
This red carpet appearance marked their first since Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, four months after the premiere of It Ends With Us. Baldoni, who has denied the allegations, has since filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times for its reporting on the case. Additionally, the actor has sued Lively and Reynolds for alleged defamation and extortion, seeking $400 million in damages. The legal battle has been intense, with both sides presenting their cases vigorously.
As the legal drama continues, Lively’s team has taken proactive steps to build their case. Recently, her attorneys subpoenaed Baldoni’s text messages, aiming to expose what they allege is a smear campaign against her. In a statement to Page Six, Lively’s legal team, Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, hinted at uncovering evidence that could shed light on the tactics used against her. They also criticized a website launched by Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, which they claim lacks genuine "receipts" to support his client’s defense. The legal teams for both sides have expressed skepticism about settlement discussions, deeming them premature, and a trial date has been set for March 9, 2026.
Despite the challenges they face, Lively and Reynolds remain committed to supporting each other. Their public appearances and displays of affection serve as a reminder of their strong partnership, both on and off the red carpet. As they navigate this difficult chapter, the couple continues to stand together, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
In summary, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s appearance at the SNL 50 anniversary special was a blend of humor, unity, and strength. While the legal battle with Justin Baldoni looms large, the couple’s shared public moments underscore their unwavering support for each other. As the case progresses, all eyes remain on this high-profile drama, both in and out of the courtroom.
