A recent controversy surrounding Ryan Reynolds’ joke at the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary special has sparked conflicting accounts from those involved.
While an “SNL” staffer claimed the quip was Reynolds’ idea, a spokesperson for the legendary sketch comedy show has denied this assertion.
During an appearance on the “Fifi, Fev and Nick” podcast, longtime “SNL” cue card holder Wally Feresten stated
that Reynolds had personally suggested the joke referencing the ongoing legal battle between his wife, Blake Lively, and actor Justin Baldoni.
According to Feresten, Reynolds originally had a different line but opted to change it during rehearsals.
“He had a different line in rehearsal, and he pitched that to replace it,” Feresten revealed. “That was his idea.”
He further explained that “SNL” would typically avoid controversial jokes unless those involved were aware and had consented. “So, yeah, that was his line. That was his idea to do,” Feresten added.
However, representatives for both Reynolds and “SNL” have denied this claim. Additionally, sources have pointed out that Feresten is not part of the writing or creative process of the show, casting doubt on his version of events.
During the anniversary special, former “SNL” cast members Tina Fey and Amy Poehler engaged with audience members. When they approached Reynolds and asked, “How’s it going?” he responded with, “Great, why? What have you heard?”
The joke appeared to be a nod to the legal drama between Lively and Baldoni. The remark seemingly caught Lively off guard, as she was seen glancing at Reynolds with an uneasy expression.
Public reaction to the moment was mixed. While some social media users found the joke amusing, others criticized Reynolds for making light of a serious legal dispute. One user on X (formerly Twitter) theorized, “Given this results in an awkward moment that kind of hangs rather than the hosts quipping back with some kind of joke and Blake’s facial expression, I don’t think this was planned at all. I think Ryan’s attention-hungry nonsense caused him to take the chance to go for it.”
Others defended the couple, with one fan commenting, “I thought it was funny. Y’all are too serious.” Another wrote, “Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively showing up to SNL 50 is bold,” accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Lively’s legal battle with Baldoni has been making headlines since December when she accused him and film producer Jamey Heath of sexual harassment, retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. These allegations were initially filed with the California Civil Rights Department and later moved to federal court.
Baldoni retaliated with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, accusing them of civil extortion and defamation. Shortly after, Baldoni and his legal team released unedited footage from the set of “It Ends With Us,” claiming it disproved Lively’s allegations. However, her legal team argued that the footage actually supported her claims.
The legal dispute escalated further when Lively’s attorneys sought a gag order against Baldoni’s lawyer, arguing that the release of footage was a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception. Baldoni’s legal team pushed back, labeling the request an “intimidation tactic” and “tactical gamesmanship.”
A judge later ruled that both parties must adhere to New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct, which restrict speaking to the media about ongoing legal proceedings.
On February 20, Lively filed an amended 141-page complaint that introduced additional details regarding her claims against Baldoni. The updated lawsuit reportedly includes evidence that other actresses on the set of “It Ends With Us” also felt uncomfortable around Baldoni.
Lively’s attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, issued a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, “The complaint includes significant contemporaneous evidence that Ms. Lively was not alone in raising allegations of on-set misconduct more than a year before the film was edited, as well as evidence detailing the threats, harassment, and intimidation of not just Ms. Lively but numerous innocent bystanders that have followed defendants’ retaliatory campaign.”
Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, dismissed the updated complaint, calling the claims “hearsay.”
“Our clients have been transparent in providing receipts, real-time documents, and video showing a completely different story than what has been manipulated and cherry-picked to the media,” Freedman said. “Our clients have taken this matter and these issues very seriously, notwithstanding the jokes made publicly by the plaintiff and her husband. Her underwhelming amended complaint is filled with unsubstantial hearsay of unnamed persons who are clearly no longer willing to come forward or publicly support her claims.”
As the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues, Reynolds’ “SNL” joke has only added to the scrutiny surrounding the couple. Whether his remark was scripted or improvised, the public discourse surrounding their ongoing feud remains a topic of discussion.
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