Ryan Reynolds stepped out in New York City for the prestigious National Board of Review Awards Gala, marking his first public appearance since news broke of wife Blake Lively’s escalating legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The Deadpool actor, known for his charm and impeccable style, turned heads at the January 7 event while managing to steer clear of the controversy surrounding his family.
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A Night of Elegance and Star Power
Reynolds arrived at the gala looking dapper in a light gray suit with contrasting dark gray lapels, paired with a crisp white shirt and polished black dress shoes. Adding a touch of his signature personality, he accessorized with brown reading glasses, completing a classic yet modern look.
During the star-studded evening, Reynolds mingled with Hollywood’s elite, including Wicked cast members Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Ethan Slater, and Michelle Yeoh, as well as the film’s director, Jon M. Chu. Later, he joined other presenters, such as Robert Pattinson, Jesse Eisenberg, and Sofia Coppola, to hand out awards, proving his status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures.
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Blake Lively’s Legal Battle Unfolds
Reynolds’ appearance comes amid significant legal challenges for his wife, Blake Lively. The A Simple Favor actress recently filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment, emotional distress, and a deliberate campaign to tarnish her reputation. According to court documents, Lively claims Baldoni caused her “mental pain and anguish, severe emotional distress, and lost wages” during the filming of It Ends With Us.
The allegations were first detailed in a 70-page complaint submitted to the California Civil Rights Department in December 2024. In the filing, Lively accused Baldoni of creating a hostile work environment and using his influence to spread false claims about her.
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Baldoni Fights Back
Justin Baldoni has denied all allegations and launched a counterattack, filing a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. Baldoni’s legal team argues that the publication manipulated text messages and omitted key details in its reporting on Lively’s claims.
“The lawsuit against The New York Times demonstrates that the truth has been selectively ignored to fit a narrative,” Baldoni’s attorney said in a statement.
Lively’s legal team swiftly responded to Baldoni’s countersuit, dismissing his allegations as baseless. Her attorney stated, “Nothing in this lawsuit changes the substance of Ms. Lively’s California Civil Rights Department complaint or her federal complaint, filed earlier today.”
Meanwhile, The New York Times defended its reporting, calling it “meticulously and responsibly researched” and based on “thousands of pages of original documents.”
Ryan Reynolds’ Support Amid the Storm
As the legal battle intensifies, Ryan Reynolds’ gala appearance provided a rare moment of levity for the Hollywood couple. Known for their unwavering support of each other, the pair have reportedly been leaning on one another as they navigate this challenging time.
At home, Reynolds and Lively are focusing on their family, raising their four children—James, 10, Inez, 8, Betty, 5, and baby Olin, born in 2023—while managing the pressures of their respective careers and public scrutiny.
A Silver Lining
Despite the drama surrounding Lively’s lawsuit, Reynolds’ appearance at the gala offered a glimpse of hope and resilience. The evening was a celebration of creativity and collaboration, with the Wicked team taking home the Best Film award. Reynolds’ charm and professionalism were on full display, serving as a reminder of his steady presence in an industry often mired in controversy.
What’s Next?
As the legal battle unfolds, Lively’s and Baldoni’s accusations are expected to dominate entertainment headlines. Both parties are bracing for prolonged legal proceedings that could have significant implications for their careers and reputations.
For Reynolds, his focus remains on his family and upcoming projects, balancing his roles as a husband, father, and one of Hollywood’s leading men. With his signature grace and humor, he continues to prove that even in the face of challenges, he knows how to keep moving forward.
