Ryan Reynolds, known for his comedic roles and witty social media presence, found himself navigating a different kind of spotlight this week. While celebrating a Critics Choice Award for his film "Deadpool & Wolverine", Reynolds also addressed the ongoing legal battle between his wife, Blake Lively, and her "It Ends With Us" costar and director, Justin Baldoni.
The award, shared with Jesse Eisenberg's directorial debut "A Real Pain", was not announced during the live broadcast. Reynolds, who was absent from the ceremony, acknowledged the win on Instagram, adding a note of support for Eisenberg's film. He also shared his experience at the JP Morgan Summit, where he appeared alongside Bob Iger and Bryan Lourd.
The Lively-Baldoni case, which has been playing out in the public eye, involves allegations of sexual harassment and defamation. Lively sued Baldoni in December 2024, claiming he attempted to destroy her reputation. Baldoni denied the accusations and filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit in response. The case has drawn significant attention, with Chelsea Handler even referencing it in her Critics Choice monologue.
A recent legal hearing saw both parties' lawyers meet to discuss the case. While a trial date has been set for March 9, 2026, a judge ruled that it could be moved up if further public statements continue to be made. Lively's legal team expressed their intention to move forward with discovery and hold Baldoni accountable, while Baldoni's team stated their desire to prove their client's innocence.