Ryan Reynolds broke his public silence on Tuesday, making an unexpected appearance at the National Board of Review Gala. The 48-year-old actor, dressed impeccably in a gray suit, took to the stage at New York City’s Cipriani 42nd Street to celebrate “Wicked,” named the best movie of 2024 by the Board. His polished demeanor and sharp remarks grabbed attention, especially given the swirling controversies involving his wife, Blake Lively.
This appearance is Reynolds’ first since Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. The accusations of harassment and allegations of a coordinated smear campaign have captivated both Hollywood insiders and fans alike. Meanwhile, Baldoni, 40, has countered with his own legal claims, adding fuel to the already fiery public feud.
A Glitzy Night Clouded by Controversy
The National Board of Review Gala is traditionally a night for celebrating cinematic excellence. Yet, Reynolds’ attendance carried an undeniable undercurrent of personal drama. Despite the legal storm surrounding Lively’s blockbuster project, Reynolds remained poised, focusing his remarks on honoring the cast and crew of Wicked, a film he described as “an extraordinary triumph in storytelling and artistry.”
His speech struck a careful balance—celebratory yet subtly charged. Observers couldn’t help but speculate whether his comments contained veiled jabs at Baldoni, particularly as social media buzzed with fan theories about perceived digs in Deadpool & Wolverine. Reynolds, known for his razor-sharp wit, seemed to revel in the ambiguity, leaving much to interpretation.
Legal Drama Grips Hollywood
Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. The suit alleges that Baldoni engaged in inappropriate conduct and later sought to damage Lively’s reputation through a smear campaign orchestrated by producers and publicists. Lively’s legal team has released statements emphasizing her commitment to accountability and justice in the workplace.
Baldoni, however, fired back with a lawsuit of his own. Among the accusations was an incident where Reynolds allegedly “aggressively berated” Baldoni and accused him of “fat-shaming” Lively. The details remain murky, but the back-and-forth has added layers to an already messy dispute, pulling Reynolds into the spotlight in unexpected ways.
For fans, the real intrigue lies in how Reynolds has chosen to respond—both on-screen and off. Moments from Deadpool & Wolverine are now being dissected for potential commentary on the situation, with eagle-eyed viewers drawing connections between the character’s trademark sarcasm and recent events.
A Timeline of the It Ends with Us Drama
The unfolding drama surrounding It Ends With Us has been a slow burn:
- 2023: The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel was announced, with Lively and Baldoni attached as leads.
- 2024: Filming wrapped amid rumors of on-set tension.
- Late 2024: Lively filed her lawsuit, alleging harassment and misconduct by Baldoni and others involved in the production.
- January 2025: Reynolds made his first public appearance, intensifying speculation about his role in the ongoing disputes.
The controversy has reignited conversations about workplace dynamics in Hollywood, sparking calls for greater accountability.
Fans Rally Around Reynolds and Lively
As the drama continues, fans have largely rallied behind Lively and Reynolds. Social media platforms are filled with messages of support, memes dissecting the couple’s apparent responses, and debates over who’s in the right. Reynolds, whose every word and action is now being scrutinized, has managed to maintain his trademark charm even in the face of controversy.
“I think Ryan and Blake are showing incredible strength,” tweeted one fan. “It’s not easy to face this kind of scrutiny.” Others have speculated that Reynolds’ public appearance is a strategic move to shift focus back to his professional achievements, a theory bolstered by his heartfelt tribute to Wicked.
Hollywood at a Crossroads
The Lively-Baldoni saga is more than just tabloid fodder—it’s a stark reminder of the challenges actors face behind the scenes. Hollywood’s power dynamics are under the microscope yet again, with calls for more transparency and accountability growing louder. Reynolds’ appearance at the Gala may have been a glittering distraction, but it also highlighted the tension between public personas and private struggles.
As the lawsuits unfold, the spotlight will remain firmly fixed on Reynolds and Lively, who continue to navigate their way through the public and personal fallout. For now, though, Reynolds’ sharp suit and sharper words at the Gala serve as a reminder that, even amidst chaos, the show must go on.
