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In a recent development surrounding the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live, claims made by a staff member suggesting that actor Ryan Reynolds authored a controversial joke have been firmly denied by the show’s representatives. This incident has drawn significant attention against the backdrop of ongoing legal issues involving Reynolds’ wife, actress Blake Lively, and filmmaker Justin Baldoni.
During an episode of the podcast “Fifi, Fev and Nick,” Wally Feresten, an experienced SNL staffer, asserted that Reynolds was responsible for a joke that alluded to Lively’s legal battles with Baldoni. Feresten, who is known for his role in holding cue cards during live performances, claimed that Reynolds proposed the joke to replace a different line during rehearsals.
Feresten stated, “He had a different line in rehearsal, and he pitched that to replace it. That was his idea.” However, Reynolds and SNL representatives quickly refuted this assertion.
In response to Feresten’s claims, SNL officials reiterated that Reynolds did not participate in the joke’s creation and highlighted that Feresten lacks involvement in the writing process.
The controversy unfolded during a segment of the anniversary special, where former cast members Tina Fey and Amy Poehler interacted with audience celebrities. When Reynolds stood up, Fey and Poehler asked him, “How’s it going?” to which he humorously replied, “Great, why? What have you heard?” This quip seemingly referenced the ongoing legal dispute with Baldoni, catching Lively off guard as she visibly reacted to her husband’s comments.
While some viewers found humor in the moment, others expressed discontent regarding the couple’s appearance on the show. An outspoken user on social media speculated, “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.” Meanwhile, supporters chimed in. One user exclaimed, “I thought it was funny. Y’all are too serious,” while another remarked, “Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively showing up to SNL 50 is bold.”
These developments come as Lively has filed a lawsuit detailing serious allegations against Baldoni, including sexual harassment and emotional distress, stemming from discussions around the film “It Ends with Us.” In December, Lively’s legal actions intensified when she initially filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, which later transitioned to federal court.
In retaliation, Baldoni launched a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, labeling their actions as civil extortion and defamation. This legal feud has garnered significant media attention, with both parties issuing public statements regarding the matter.
Furthermore, shortly following the initial lawsuit, Baldoni and his team made claims about the misconduct allegations by releasing unedited footage from their film set. They argued that this footage disproved Lively’s claims. However, Lively’s legal representatives contended that the footage actually supports her allegations of sexual harassment.
In response to the release of the footage, Lively’s legal team sought to impose a gag order against Baldoni’s lawyer. The attorney for Baldoni later described the gag order attempt as an intimidation tactic and part of a broader strategy.
A judge ultimately directed both parties to adhere to New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct, which restrict public comments on ongoing litigation. These developments emphasize the contentious atmosphere surrounding this high-profile legal battle.
On January 23, Lively expanded her original lawsuit by filing an amended complaint that includes new allegations and testimonies from actresses who reportedly experienced discomfort while working with Baldoni. In the detailed 141-page document, Lively’s attorneys claimed that the new evidence confirms her accusations were not isolated incidents, while also outlining a pattern of intimidation and harassment that affected others on set.
In reaction to these claims, Baldoni’s attorney dismissed them as hearsay. He defended his client by emphasizing the transparency of Baldoni’s position, stating, “Our clients have been transparent in providing receipts, real-time documents, and videos showing a completely different story than what has been manipulated and cherry-picked to the media.” This defense includes a characterization of Lively’s expanded complaint as being derived from unverifiable sources.
The unfolding saga between Lively and Baldoni highlights a significant moment in the ongoing discussions regarding workplace conduct and accountability in the entertainment industry. As more details surface, public interest in the story continues to grow, raising questions about the repercussions of personal and professional controversies within Hollywood.
Looking Ahead
The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate parties involved. As society grapples with issues of harassment and professionalism, the high-profile nature of these allegations prompts discussions around transparency, support for victims, and overall workplace culture within the entertainment industry. Observers will be watching closely as this legal battle evolves, anticipating further developments and potential changes in both public perception and industry practices.
