Blake Lively claims to have stepped back from the spotlight—she accused Justin Baldoni of being the reason why. Following her role in It Ends With Us, as the actress got tangled in a web of controversies over her lawsuit against her co-star and director, Lively reportedly turned down multiple acting and directing opportunities, citing fear and harassment.
Claiming how she couldn’t go anywhere without feeling pressured by the backlash and being harassed with further questions, Blake Lively claimed to have refused several offers. One among them was backing out of hosting Saturday Night Live’s milestone 50th season premiere in September 2024. However, she and her husband Ryan Reynolds did appear during SNL50: The Anniversary Special.
Blake Lively’s legal documents cited the actress’ loss of roles due to fear of harassment
Blake Lively has been making headlines for a while now, and not for the right reasons. After appearing in It Ends With Us and undergoing alleged harassment that led her to file a lawsuit against her co-star and director Justin Baldoni, Lively noted in her legal documents, how things have changed in her life. Despite being known for her confidence, as the actress revealed turning down major opportunities due to fear and harassment, she shocked her fans.
According to legal documents obtained by US Weekly, Blake Lively’s filing against Justin Baldoni not only accused him of smearing her name but also blamed him for alleged damages to her career. The documents revealed how Lively had to turn down important events and career opportunities due to her fear of further harassment. Stating how she’s constantly living in fear of being questioned by the public after her notorious legal battle, the actress mentioned turning down the SNL Season 50 premiere hosting gig.
Ms. Lively canceled a critical Target corporate event for her hair care company [Blake Brown Beauty], and she backed out of her scheduled role to host the premier episode of the 50th anniversary season of Saturday Night Live in September 2024.
She has since turned down acting and directing opportunities as a result of feeling harassment and fearful of further attacks on herself, her family, and her colleagues.
Blake Lively’s legal documents detailed the alleged toll the situation has taken on her career. According to reports, Lively claimed she felt she couldn’t go anywhere without being pressured by questions and public scrutiny. This fear even led her to decline multiple acting and directing roles that could have helped catapult her career. So eventually, her reluctance to step back into the spotlight made it clear how heavily the legal battle weighed on her.
Ryan Reynolds joked at SNL50: The Anniversary Special alongside Blake Lively
However, on a recent note, what shocked fans the most, was her and her husband Ryan Reynolds‘ appearance at the SNL50: The Anniversary Special in February 2025. People were stunned at how Blake Lively, despite skipping the hosting gig and claiming to be living in fear of public scrutiny, made a jolly appearance at the event. While her presence reassured her that she hadn’t completely disappeared from public life, it also raised questions about the authenticity of her feelings.
Taking to X, @yapperellla thus wondered how Blake Lively might have moved on from her fear of public scrutiny, especially now that her lawsuit is at its fever pitch. But more than anything, what shocked the user was Ryan Reynolds’ joke at the SNL50: The Anniversary Special. As per a viral video from the event, Reynolds appeared in good spirits, joking about their situation on live television.
Host asked,
Hey, how’s it going?
Reynolds replied,
Great. Why what have you heard?
While the audience seated at the event laughed, Ryan Reynolds’ response caught netizens off guard. Just months earlier after Blake Lively spoke about feeling like she has been walking on eggshells, and experiencing the pressure of public scrutiny and questions, Reynolds’ joke seemed to poke fun at the very fear and pressure his wife had publicly expressed. This left fans debating whether the actor was playfully teasing or unintentionally dismissing Lively’s struggles.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
