The 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired this past Sunday with its usual star-studded spectacle, 

but it also sparked a significant amount of controversy. 

The moment that ignited the debate occurred during a segment involving actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who were seated in the audience. 

As Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosted the segment, they made a joke aimed at Reynolds about his relationship with Lively and their ongoing legal drama with actor Justin Baldoni. 

This lighthearted moment, however, didn’t sit well with some viewers, who felt that the situation was far too serious for comedy.

The Controversial Joke: Did It Go Too Far?

As the Deadpool star and his wife, Lively, sat in the audience, Fey and Poehler couldn’t resist a playful dig. Fey greeted Reynolds, asking, “Ryan Reynolds! How’s it going?” As Reynolds stood up to respond, he cheekily answered, “Great! Why, what have you heard?”

The quip was met with laughter, but for many fans watching at home, it didn’t land well. The joke was referencing the serious legal issues surrounding Reynolds and Lively, particularly the allegations made by their It Ends With Us co-star, Justin Baldoni. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of their 2024 film. Additionally, Lively and her team alleged that Baldoni and his publicists orchestrated a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has denied all claims.

Fan Reactions: Criticism for Making Light of Serious Allegations

The humor aimed at Reynolds during the SNL special didn’t sit well with many viewers, who felt the joke trivialized serious legal claims. Some viewers voiced their frustration on social media, with one user tweeting, “How sweet of SNL to try and do damage control for Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively—but it won’t work. #SNL50.” Another fan added, “SNL has always been sooo problematic. Highlighting the abusers while making fun of the victims.”

Others were equally critical, calling out the show for perpetuating a culture that laughs at the expense of those involved in serious allegations. “Gross. So they’re supporting the bullies too,” one viewer tweeted, while another mentioned a previous sketch involving the Try Guys, which many saw as another instance of “jokes at the expense of others.”

Supporters Defend the Couple: A Joke Between Friends

While some fans were outraged, others defended Reynolds and Lively, saying that the moment was simply an example of the couple having fun despite the ongoing legal drama. “I like Ryan Reynolds. I thought this was funny,” one fan wrote. “I don’t know all the details of the Blake Lively ‘It Ends With Us’ sitch but I blame the PR people,” another chimed in, implying that the controversy may have been overblown by the press.

Several fans argued that Reynolds, known for his self-deprecating humor, has always been willing to take jokes in stride, and that this particular moment was no different. “One thing about Ryan Reynolds he will always take it on the chin,” one supporter remarked.

There were also those who felt that it was unreasonable for people to expect the couple to “stop living their lives” in response to the ongoing case. A fourth supporter wrote, “People mad over Blake and Ryan at SNL like did you expect them to stop living their lives? To cower at their home?”

The Legal Battle: A Backdrop to the Drama

For those unfamiliar with the case, the legal drama began in December 2024 when Lively filed the lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us. The actress, 37, claimed that Baldoni, 41, and his team worked together to tarnish her reputation. Baldoni has firmly denied all allegations.

In a twist, Baldoni filed his own legal action, a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and Lively’s publicist, Leslie Sloane. The legal saga between the two parties is ongoing, with a trial scheduled for March 2026.

Was the Joke Appropriate for the SNL Special?

The joke made during SNL 50 has sparked a larger conversation about the boundaries of comedy, especially when it comes to real-life legal issues. With such serious allegations involved, some viewers felt that poking fun at the situation crossed a line. On the other hand, others argued that the couple, known for their wit and humor, should be allowed to laugh at themselves, especially in the context of the SNL anniversary special, which has often included playful jabs at celebrities.

As the legal drama continues to unfold, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of humor in the face of controversy. While some fans found the joke distasteful, others saw it as a lighthearted moment in a difficult time for Lively and Reynolds. Only time will tell if the couple continues to respond to the ongoing drama with their trademark humor or if more serious conversations will take precedence.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.