Ryan Reynolds made a striking appearance at the National Board of Review Awards gala in New York City on January 7, 2024, marking his first public outing since his wife Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against actor-director Justin Baldoni. The 48-year-old actor, known for his roles in Deadpool and Wolverine, took the stage at Cipriani 42nd Street dressed in a sleek grey jacket and white shirt, where he introduced the evening’s honoree, Wicked, which had been named the best movie of 2024 by the prestigious review body.
As Reynolds stood before the glittering crowd, his presence was commanding, as always. He lauded Wicked, a film that delves into the complex and powerful relationship between its two leading female characters. “Wicked is indeed wicked,” he remarked during his speech, acknowledging the film’s daring narrative. “It centers on two powerful women and examines a relationship that’s resonated with audiences for over two decades. Stories about women are often held to different standards—standards that require them to be perfect, hide their strength, and placate. But Donna Langley and Universal Studios know who to trust, and that trust paid off in this film.” His words, thoughtful and passionate, resonated with the audience, highlighting Reynolds’ ability to engage deeply with the material he presents.
While Reynolds was on stage presenting Wicked to the New York crowd, his wife Blake Lively had been embroiled in a highly public legal battle with It Ends with Us costar and director Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit, filed in late December 2023, accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliatory actions during production. The accusations against Baldoni include inappropriate behavior on set, uninvited entries into Lively’s trailer while she was undressed, and coercion into a scene involving simulated nudity. Lively’s claims have painted a troubling picture of a hostile work environment on set, and the legal drama has made headlines, with Lively stating that both she and Reynolds have been deeply affected by the emotional toll of the situation.
The legal drama has intensified, with Baldoni’s team responding by calling the allegations “false” and “outrageous.” On December 31, 2023, Baldoni and his production company filed a lawsuit against the New York Times, claiming defamation over their coverage of Lively’s allegations. In a dramatic turn, Baldoni’s lawsuit also alleged a tense meeting between him and Reynolds in early January 2024, accusing the Deadpool star of verbally berating him in what he described as a “traumatic” encounter. According to Baldoni, the meeting was arranged to address the tense atmosphere on set, but Reynolds’ actions only escalated the situation. Meanwhile, Lively’s team has asserted that the meeting was necessary to address the toxic work environment, which nearly derailed the production.
Blake Lively, in the face of these serious allegations, has maintained a focus on her family. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, she was determined to make Christmas as special as possible for their four children, despite the ongoing legal battles. “The impact on our children has been profound,” Lively’s legal complaint stated, emphasizing the emotional toll on her family. For her part, Lively has continued to support Reynolds, with the couple often seen attending events and sharing their professional successes.
Interestingly, in an exclusive conversation last August, Lively spoke to E! News about the collaborative nature of her relationship with Reynolds. She revealed that the two often work on each other’s projects, with Reynolds contributing to a scene in Lively’s latest film It Ends with Us. “We help each other,” Lively said, echoing the strong bond they share both professionally and personally. “His wins are mine, and mine are his.” Their teamwork extends beyond the screen and into their personal lives, where they strive to support one another during both triumphs and tribulations.
The couple last stepped out together in early December to attend a screening of Wicked: Part One, supporting their friends Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who star in the highly anticipated film. Wicked has become a cultural phenomenon, and its recognition at the National Board of Review Awards was a celebratory moment for all involved. Reynolds, ever the charmer, joined Erivo, Grande, and other industry insiders in celebrating the film’s success, despite the personal challenges he and Lively were facing behind the scenes.
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