Social media erupted over Kevin Costner’s reaction to Ryan Reynolds’ joke about the Justin Baldoni scandal during the SNL50: Anniversary Special on Sunday. The Yellowstone star, seated behind Reynolds and Blake Lively, appeared visibly unimpressed when the Deadpool actor made a remark referencing the ongoing legal drama surrounding Baldoni.
During a lighthearted moment with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, Reynolds, 48, was asked, “How’s it going?” He responded with a deadpan, “Great—why, what have you heard?” The quip alluded to the It Ends with Us controversy, which has dominated headlines, with Baldoni accusing Lively and Reynolds of defamation in a $400 million lawsuit, while Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment.
Audience Q&A with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey! #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/XYqXMddhS9
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) February 17, 2025
Seated just behind the couple, Costner, 70, appeared to grimace at the casual tone of the joke, sparking reactions across social media. One X user commented, “The rest of us are Kevin Costner. Blake and Ryan have some explaining to do. Also, what they did to Justin Baldoni is not funny at all. #SNL50.”
The rest of us are Kevin Costner. Blake and Ryan have some explaining to do. Also, what they did to Justin Baldoni is not funny at all. #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/RyqnAhLgOR
— jill (@jkgroves) February 17, 2025
Another post read, “Kevin Costner and Cher were in for the gossip but weren’t having it!” A different fan pointed out, “Did I see Kevin Costner sitting there? He didn’t look too impressed when Ryan Reynolds made his sht joke.”*
LOL Kevin Costner is like I see you bitches #SNL50
— 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐎𝐟 ❤️’𝐬 (@QueenOfTWD) February 17, 2025
pic.twitter.com/mkZKvB6n6g
This marked Blake Lively’s first red carpet appearance in two months, with her last being the Beauty Inc Awards in December 2024, just before her legal battle with Baldoni escalated. Despite the media storm, she and Reynolds presented a united front at the SNL event at Rockefeller Plaza.
However, their presence did not go unnoticed by critics. One X user remarked, “How sweet of SNL to try and do damage control for Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively—but it won’t work.”
Another added, “Gross. So they’re supporting the bullies too.” One user mocked Reynolds, saying, “His desperation is showing.” Another echoed, “Those two are cringe at this point…”
Costner, who arrived solo at SNL50, exuded confidence in an all-black suit and contemporary glasses, drawing attention even before his reaction to Reynolds went viral. His poised presence at the event followed his buzzed-about Super Bowl weekend, where he was spotted mingling at exclusive parties and events.
Since his split from Christine Baumgartner in May 2023, Costner has been linked to Hollywood stars Jewel and Sharon Stone, though he has remained private about his personal life.
Meanwhile, the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues to unfold, with both sides denying allegations. As the court case looms, Reynolds’ joke—and Costner’s reaction—has only intensified the public discourse around the controversy.
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