Justin Baldoni’s legal team was caught off guard by Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ surprise appearance at “Saturday Night Live’s” 50th-anniversary special, 

especially considering the ongoing legal battle surrounding “It Ends With Us.”

Over the weekend, Lively and Reynolds made an unexpected cameo at the star-studded event, 

during which Reynolds subtly referenced the lawsuit that has garnered significant media attention. 

While some viewers found the moment humorous, others criticized the couple for making light of a serious situation.

During an interview on “Hot Mics with Billy Bush” on Monday, Baldoni’s attorney, Brian Freedman, expressed his shock at the couple’s decision to attend the event and seemingly joke about the legal drama.

“I was surprised by their latest move,” Freedman admitted. “I can’t recall anyone whose wife has been a victim of sexual harassment making light of such a situation in this way.”

Although Freedman did not explicitly state whether Baldoni’s legal team plans to use Lively and Reynolds’ appearance as part of their defense strategy, industry insiders speculate that it could become a factor in the case.

A source close to the situation revealed to Page Six that “it’s very possible” Baldoni’s attorneys could leverage the couple’s public outing in court. “Justin is handling this lawsuit with the utmost seriousness and is not treating it as a public spectacle,” the insider noted.

During the live broadcast, Reynolds participated in a comedic segment in which audience members had the chance to ask hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler questions. As he stood to address them, the comedians greeted him with enthusiasm, asking, “Ryan Reynolds! How’s it going?”

Reynolds quipped, “Great. Why? What have you heard?” Lively, playing along, feigned surprise in response to her husband’s remark. While the exchange garnered laughter from some audience members, reactions online were divided.

Many social media users and Hollywood insiders took issue with the couple’s participation in the special, particularly given the nature of the allegations in the lawsuit. “It’s not a good look to be making jokes about something as serious as sexual harassment, extortion, and defamation,” a source told Page Six.

Some felt that Lively and Reynolds should have opted out of attending the event altogether. “People in Hollywood believe they should have sat this one out,” the insider added.

However, not everyone was critical of the couple’s decision. Reality TV personality Bethenny Frankel applauded their appearance, calling it a “brilliant” strategic move. She suggested that their presence at such a high-profile event could help shift the narrative in their favor.

Despite the controversy, a source close to the couple shared that they have “no regrets” about attending “SNL’s” milestone celebration. “Blake was initially unsure about going, but ultimately, she’s happy she did. They have nothing to hide and no reason not to show up,” the insider stated.

Lively and Reynolds, who have been married since 2012, appear to be resuming public appearances, but they will remain embroiled in the legal battle behind the scenes until their trial date in March 2026.

The lawsuit, which Lively filed in December 2024, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and claims that he orchestrated a smear campaign against her. In response, Baldoni has denied all allegations and countersued Reynolds and Lively for defamation and extortion.

With the trial still more than a year away, legal experts anticipate that both parties will continue making strategic moves in the court of public opinion. Whether or not Baldoni’s legal team will use Lively and Reynolds’ “SNL 50” appearance as part of their defense remains to be seen, but the debate surrounding their participation in the event is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

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