Blake Lively, 37, was recently spotted alongside her husband, Ryan Reynolds, 48, and her A Simple Favor 2 costar Michele Morrone, 34, in a photo shared by Morrone on his Instagram Stories.
The picture, taken on Sunday, Jan. 26, marked the first public appearance of Lively and Reynolds together since Justin Baldoni filed a $400 million lawsuit against the couple.
In the photo, Morrone stood in the middle with his arm around Lively, who appeared visibly drained. Fans were quick to notice her puffy eyes and a seemingly forced smile, sparking concern about the toll the ongoing legal battle may be taking on her.
“Missed you guys! Love you!!” Morrone captioned the picture, tagging both Lively and Reynolds.

The timing of this photo is notable, as it comes amid escalating tensions in Lively’s legal dispute with Baldoni, her It Ends with Us costar.
In December, Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. In response, Baldoni filed his countersuit, alleging defamation and seeking $400 million in damages from Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist.
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While Lively has remained silent on social media about the lawsuit, her appearance in this recent photo seems to tell its own story. Fans and followers pointed out her tired expression, suggesting that the emotional strain of the public legal battle may be catching up with her.
Morrone, who has publicly supported Lively amid the controversy, was quick to show solidarity once again. Back in December, he posted a video to his Instagram Stories, stating, “It’s time to stand up” for the actress.
This recent photo seems to highlight his ongoing support as he reunited with his A Simple Favor 2 costar.
The sequel to the 2018 comedy-thriller A Simple Favor, starring Lively, Morrone, Anna Kendrick, and Henry Golding, reportedly wrapped production in 2024.
However, rumors have swirled that the movie’s release may face delays due to the fallout from Lively’s legal drama with Baldoni.
While Reynolds has not publicly addressed the lawsuit or its impact on their lives, his decision to repost the photo on his Instagram Stories and tag Morrone suggests a united front during what appears to be a challenging time for the couple.
As fans continue to speculate about the impact of the lawsuit on Lively and her career, her latest appearance highlights the emotional toll of such high-profile disputes. Whether her recent look is simply the result of a long day or an indication of deeper struggles, one thing is clear—Lively’s strength and resilience continue to shine through, even in difficult times.