Ryan Reynolds has sparked controversy after making a joke about his wife, Blake Lively, 

and her ongoing legal battle with former co-star Justin Baldoni during the SNL50: The Anniversary Special. 

The couple, who attended the star-studded event at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on February 16, 2025, 

were part of a live broadcast where Reynolds participated in a Q&A session with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. 

However, his humor during the interaction raised eyebrows and led to criticism from experts and fans alike.

During the Q&A, Fey asked Reynolds how things were going, to which he quipped, “Great! Why, what have you heard?” 

This seemingly lighthearted exchange quickly turned into a point of contention when critics argued that the joke may have been insensitive, especially given the serious nature of Lively’s legal proceedings. Lively, who is embroiled in a legal dispute with Baldoni, was present at the event, and some sources suggested that Reynolds’ humor downplayed the severity of his wife’s claims.

Experts weighed in, cautioning that such jokes could inadvertently minimize the trauma that Lively has experienced and could have a wider impact on how sexual harassment and abuse are perceived. Shari Botwin, LCSW, a licensed therapist and author of Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing, expressed her concerns to Daily Mail. Botwin argued that jokes about sexual harassment and abuse reinforce harmful cultural attitudes, often known as “rape culture.” She stated, “Jokes about sexual harassment reinforce rape culture and further silence victims,” adding that such humor diminishes the legitimacy of their experiences.

Botwin emphasized that jokes like Reynolds’ could lead victims of abuse to feel invalidated and discouraged from speaking out. “It minimizes and discredits their experience, perpetuating the idea that ‘no one will believe me or take me seriously,’” she explained. She also pointed out that such humor could normalize inappropriate behavior, making it less likely that people would come forward about their experiences.

Furthermore, Botwin warned that Reynolds’ comments could be interpreted as diminishing his wife’s situation. “Reynolds may have stepped out of line by mocking his wife’s lawsuit,” she said. “People tend to joke about issues involving sexual violence because they are uncomfortable or do not understand the impact. Jokes made by Reynolds about his wife’s lawsuit minimize her claims and distance Reynolds from being her partner in a situation that is Blake’s alleged reality.”

Jonathan Alpert, a Manhattan-based psychotherapist, also shared his thoughts with Daily Mail. While acknowledging that Reynolds is known for his quick wit and sense of humor, Alpert suggested that humor could have been Reynolds’ way of handling an uncomfortable situation. “While his intention may not have been harmful, public figures have to be mindful of how their words can be interpreted, especially on sensitive topics,” Alpert said. He emphasized that the public’s interpretation of jokes can vary, and in this case, Reynolds’ humor may have crossed a line given the context of Lively’s legal battle.

The legal conflict between Lively and Baldoni has garnered significant attention in recent months, and public scrutiny of their situation has only intensified with Reynolds’ comment. Sources cited by Page Six even suggested that Baldoni’s legal team might attempt to use Reynolds’ public joke as a defense strategy. “It’s very plausible that Justin’s legal team will use this public outing to defend Baldoni,” one source remarked.

While Reynolds’ playful banter has been a trademark of his public persona, this instance highlights the complexities that come with making light of serious and sensitive issues. In this case, his humor was perceived by some as undermining the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it may have had on his wife.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the public and those involved in the legal matter will react to Reynolds’ comments. However, the backlash has sparked an important conversation about the role of humor in addressing sensitive topics like harassment and abuse, and the responsibility that public figures carry when discussing such issues.

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