Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Display Tension at ‘SNL’ 50th Amid Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni

Entertainment
Bente Birkeland
February 18, 2025
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7 minutes read

(AP Images/Invision)

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds found themselves under scrutiny beyond their star power during ‘SNL’s 50th-anniversary special, as their body language appeared to reflect unease amid their ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, according to the Daily Mail. Body language expert Judi James analyzed their demeanor, noting signs of discomfort.

Reynolds, typically confident, seemed unusually stiff on the red carpet, standing with one hand behind his torso and the other clutching his jacket hem. “There’s less scope for laughter on the red carpet here though, which might be why Blake and Ryan’s body language subliminal displays suggest some awkwardness,” James remarked.

Blake Lively’s attempt to embrace Reynolds involved a bent hand, a gesture James interpreted as a sign of hesitation or wariness. However, she soon shifted into a more confident stance, placing her hand on her hip, seemingly trying to project defiance despite underlying tension.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively arrive at the #SNL50 Anniversary Special in New York City pic.twitter.com/6jufmNuy4h
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 17, 2025

The contrast between Lively’s shimmering silver gown and Reynolds’ composed exterior could not overshadow the subtle tension dissected by James. James highlighted that humor is often a rapport-building tool, yet the couple’s body language suggested more profound concerns.

“Blake holds one arm out in an intentional gesture, letting him know in advance that she’s about to hug him, but her hand is bent at a limp angle to hint at potential wariness. There is a quick hair preen gesture as she grins at Ryan’s face,” James explained. Fans and industry insiders have closely followed their legal dispute, with many observing the couple’s efforts to maintain composure under pressure.

During the ‘SNL’ audience Q&A, Reynolds attempted to use humor to diffuse the tension. When Tina Fey and Amy Poehler asked how he was doing, he responded deadpan, “Great – why, what have you heard?” referencing the legal turmoil. James observed that Lively’s initial smile faded, replaced by a concerned expression as she turned toward her husband, potentially indicating genuine or performed anxiety.

Ryan Reynolds during #SNL50

“Ryan how’s it going? Great… why, what have you heard?” pic.twitter.com/8a4A6NIU2D
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 17, 2025

“This converts to a wide smile and a laugh but her expression changes quickly when Ryan makes his comment,” James noted. The legal feud between Lively, Reynolds, and Baldoni has dominated headlines. Lively has accused Baldoni of harassment, while Baldoni has countered with a $400 million lawsuit, alleging defamation and extortion.

Baldoni has strongly denied Lively’s claims, while his lawsuit includes released text messages and allegations that Lively and Reynolds sought to undermine his role as director of It Ends with Us. As James concluded, the couple’s public appearance at such an event was “brave to the point of reckless.”