Ryan Reynolds’ SNL Joke Sparks Fury: “Tone-Deaf” or Genius PR Move?
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s surprise appearance at SNL’s 50th anniversary special should’ve been a victory lap. Instead, it turned into a PR nightmare. The couple, embroiled in a $400 million legal war with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni, dropped jaws when Reynolds cracked a joke about the scandal—and Blake’s face said everything.
The SNL Moment That Broke the Internet
Dressed to the nines (Blake in a shimmering silver gown, Ryan in a classic tux), the couple seemed ready to charm the crowd. But things took a sharp turn during a skit with SNL legends Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.
The Exchange That Lit the Fuse:
- Amy Poehler: “Oh, hi, Ryan Reynolds! How’s it going?”
- Ryan Reynolds: [deadpan] “Great… why? What have you heard?”
The audience laughed, but Blake’s smile froze. Her wide-eyed “WTF” stare at Ryan went viral faster than a Deadpool meme. Body language experts called it a “mix of shock and damage control mode”.
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Ryan Reynolds’ Joke: Fan Reactions-Divided and Very Online
Twitter exploded with hot takes:
- Team Cringe: “Ryan’s ‘joke’ trivializes Blake’s sexual harassment claims. Tone-deaf much?”
- Team Chaos: “Nah, this is peak Reynolds trolling. Let him cook!”
- Team Kevin Costner: The actor, seated behind them, rolled his eyes so hard they almost got stuck. Fans dubbed him “All of Us”.
Even SNL veterans debated if the bit was “brave or reckless” given the ongoing lawsuits.
The Legal Drama Behind the Joke
Let’s rewind: Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign. Baldoni fired back with a $400 million defamation lawsuit, claiming Ryan and Blake tried to “destroy his career”.
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The Messiest Allegations:
- Baldoni allegedly asked invasive questions about Blake and Ryan’s sex life on set.
- Ryan’s Deadpool & Wolverine character “Nicepool” was called a “mockery” of Baldoni.
- Baldoni’s team launched a website leaking texts and legal docs to “clear his name”.
Why the SNL Joke Could Backfire
Legal experts warn Ryan’s quip might hurt Blake’s case. “Joking about serious allegations risks painting them as unserious,” says PR crisis manager Lisa Gold. “It plays into Baldoni’s ‘bullying’ narrative”.
Blake’s team is already scrambling. They subpoenaed Baldoni’s phone records and publicists to prove the smear campaign. But with the trial set for March 2026, this SNL stunt might haunt them in court.
Body Language Breakdown: Blake’s “Panic Mode” Smile
Celebrity behaviorist Judi James analyzed the couple’s every twitch:
- Ryan: Clasped hands, “fig leaf” posture—a classic “I’m guilty” tell.
- Blake: A “limpHug™” and forced smile that screamed, “We’re fine! [nervous laughter]”.
“Their body language screamed ‘awkward,’ not ‘unbothered,’” James concluded.
The Baldoni Factor: Why This Isn’t Going Away
Baldoni isn’t backing down. After releasing unedited It Ends With Us footage to “debunk” Blake’s claims, he’s painting himself as the victim of Hollywood power plays.
Meanwhile, fans are split:
- Team Blake: “She’s fighting systemic harassment!”
- Team Baldoni: “This is a smear campaign by A-listers!”
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