Blake Lively stepped back into the spotlight at the star-studded SNL 50: The Anniversary Special in New York City on Sunday, Feb. 16, marking her first major public appearance since her legal battle with It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni made headlines. The Gossip Girl alum, 37, arrived with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and A Simple Favor director Paul Feig, turning heads on the red carpet and mingling with Hollywood’s elite.
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Blake Lively’s Night Out: Glam, Gossip, and a Little Legal Shade
According to an close source, Lively was “nervous” about returning to the public eye but ultimately had a “great time” at the event.
“It was nice getting out of the house and being around friends and familiar faces,” the insider told PEOPLE. “She was excited to be out with friends and support Saturday Night Live for its milestone anniversary.”
Lively, who hosted SNL back in 2009, and Reynolds, 48, stayed long after the live show wrapped, soaking in the celebratory atmosphere. The power couple was spotted chatting with A-listers like Ben Stiller, Paul McCartney, Tom Hanks, and Rita Wilson. Lively also shared a warm hug with Amy Schumer, who has publicly supported her amid the legal drama. “It sounded like she was lending support,” the source adds, referencing Schumer’s “I believe Blake” message posted online in December.
The SNL 50 special wasn’t just a night of nostalgia—it also included a cheeky nod to Lively and Reynolds’ headline-making legal battle. During a skit involving the Coneheads, Reynolds stood up to ask a question, prompting Tina Fey to quip, “How’s it going?” Without missing a beat, Reynolds fired back, “Great, why? What have you heard?”—eliciting laughter from the audience.
The playful moment comes amid a serious legal feud between Lively and Baldoni, 41. In December, Lively sued Baldoni, accusing him and others of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign, allegations he denies. Baldoni countersued Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist in January, claiming defamation and extortion. Lively’s legal team has dismissed his lawsuit as “meritless.”
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Despite the ongoing legal drama, Lively appeared to relish her night out, reconnecting with friends and celebrating SNL’s legacy. The event marked her first joint public appearance with Reynolds since the lawsuit made headlines, and the couple seemed in high spirits as they mingled with fellow stars.
Lively’s return to the spotlight comes as she navigates the complexities of her personal life, career, and ongoing legal battles. While fans were eager to see her back in action, her appearance at SNL 50 highlighted her ability to stay in the public eye despite the controversies surrounding her. Whether this marks a fresh start or simply a brief pause in the drama remains to be seen.
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