Justin Baldoni’s lawyer was just as shocked as everyone else by Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ “SNL 50” appearance amid their ”It Ends With Us” legal battle.
Over the weekend, the couple made a brief cameo during the sketch comedy show’s 50th anniversary special, where Reynolds made a subtle joke about the ongoing drama.
In an interview on “Hot Mics with Billy Bush” Monday, Brian Freedman admitted he was “surprised” by the couple’s “latest move” to sway their case.
“I’m unaware of anybody, frankly, whose wife has been sexually harassed and has made jokes about that type of situation,” Freedman said.
“I can’t think of anyone who’s done anything like that,” he added. “So it surprised me.”
Freedman didn’t reveal whether or not he was planning to use the appearance to support his client’s case. However, an insider told Page Six “it’s very plausible” that Baldoni’s legal team “will use this public outing to defend him.”
“Justin is taking this lawsuit in all seriousness and isn’t making a public mockery out of it,” the source told us Monday.
During the broadcast, the star-studded crowd had a chance to ask Amy Poehler and Tina Fey questions, prompting the “Deadpool” star to raise his hand and stand.
“Ryan Reynolds! How’s it going?” the comedians asked him, to which he replied, “Great. Why? What have you heard?”
Lively appeared to be in on the joke as well, as she faked a shocked reaction while her husband continued the bit.
Despite some audience members laughing at the not-so-subtle shade, many social media users had a different take.
Many people — including a few Hollywood insiders, we’re told — found it distasteful to make light of sexual harassment, extortion and defamation claims during the celebratory special.
Other industry stars felt like the couple “should have sat this one out,” a source told us Monday.
“People in Hollywood think Blake and Ryan attending the ‘SNL’ 50th anniversary show is not a good look,” they said.
However, others — such as reality TV star Bethenny Frankel — thought it was a “brilliant” marketing move.
Despite the mixed reaction, Lively and Reynolds “have no regrets about making an appearance at the show,” a second source told us.
“Blake was initially hesitant to attend the ‘SNL’ 50th anniversary show but ultimately she’s glad she attended and had a really nice time,” the insider shared.
“They’re glad they showed up because they have nothing to hide and no reason not to.”
While the couple, who wed in 2012, are seemingly ready to return to the public eye, they will be busy behind closed doors until their March 2026 trial date.
In December 2024, Lively filed a bombshell sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, claiming he orchestrated a smear campaign against her in retaliation.
She filed an official lawsuit weeks later.
The “Jane the Virgin” alum vehemently denied her claims and responded by filing his own $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds.
He also sued the New York Times, which was the first to publish Lively’s initial complaint, for libel.
