Ryan Reynolds may be known for his quick wit, but his latest joke didn’t land quite as smoothly as expected. The Deadpool star made a quip about his wife Blake Lively’s ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni during the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special in New York City on Sunday—and the audience reaction was noticeably muted.
During the event, comedy legends Tina Fey and Amy Poehler singled out Reynolds in the crowd as he sat beside Lively.
“Ryan Reynolds! How’s it going?” Fey asked, setting up what seemed to be a lighthearted exchange. However, Reynolds took the opportunity to make a joke referencing Lively’s recent sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni.
“Great! Why, what have you heard?” Reynolds quipped, seemingly alluding to the legal drama that has dominated headlines in recent weeks.
The attempt at humour was met with an awkward silence, with some audience members exchanging glances while others offered polite chuckles.
Despite the lukewarm reception to his joke, Reynolds and Lively maintained a united front throughout the evening. The couple made their first red carpet appearance since Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, 41, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.
The Gossip Girl alum stunned in a silver sequined gown with matching heels and elegant droplet earrings, while Reynolds, 48, opted for a classic black tuxedo. The pair posed for photos, sharing warm embraces and appearing relaxed in front of the cameras.
Throughout the evening, the duo mingled with fellow A-listers, including Dakota Johnson, and seemed unfazed by the legal storm surrounding them.
Their appearance at the SNL event followed a night out in New York City, where they celebrated Chris Rock’s 60th birthday and even snapped a selfie with comedy icon Chevy Chase.
As the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues to unfold, Reynolds’ offhand remark serves as a reminder that not every joke is a hit—even for one of Hollywood’s most beloved funny men.
