Body language expert analyzes Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' 'awkward and stiff' SNL50 appearance amid Justin Baldoni lawsuit
Courtesy: Reuters
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' appearance at SNL50: The Anniversary Special has sparked fresh scrutiny, with a body language expert describing their demeanor as "awkward and stiff" amid the ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni.
The Hollywood couple stepped onto the red carpet for the first time in two months, standing side by side at the high-profile event. Their presence at the show, which is known for its unfiltered humor, was labeled “brave to the point of reckless” by author and body language expert Judi James.
Speaking to MailOnline, James observed, "Appearing on a 'no holds barred' show like Saturday Night Live when you're in the middle of a legal and PR battle can seem brave to the point of reckless, but humor and even self-effacing mockery can be a great diffuser."
During the broadcast, Reynolds acknowledged the controversy surrounding him and Lively in a segment with SNL legends Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. When asked, "Oh, Ryan Reynolds, how's it going?" the Deadpool star deadpanned, "Great—why, what have you heard?" His joke, a clear nod to the legal drama, set social media on fire.
Audience Q&A with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey! #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/XYqXMddhS9
One viewer reacted on X, "How sweet of SNL to try and do damage control for Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively—but it won’t work." Another user commented, "Gross. So they’re supporting the bullies too." Others accused Reynolds of trying to downplay serious allegations, with one remarking, "Those two are cringe at this point."
Adding to the online discourse, Kevin Costner, seated behind Reynolds and Lively, was caught on camera appearing visibly unimpressed. Fans quickly latched onto Costner’s reaction, with one user posting, "The rest of us are Kevin Costner. Blake and Ryan have some explaining to do." Another shared, "Kevin Costner and Cher were in for the gossip but weren’t having it!"
So did no one tell Blake about this joke? Because she looks terrified. And Kevin Costner looks ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble. #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/mYavQKpfJM
James analyzed their body language, pointing out Reynolds' fidgeting stance and Lively’s cautious approach to physical contact. "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 in a limp angle, hinting at potential wariness," she noted.
"There is a moment when both seem to be on the brink of applying stiff, rictus social smiles before Ryan turns to whisper in Blake’s ear to make her laugh."
The reaction to their SNL appearance comes as Lively and Baldoni’s legal dispute continues to unfold. Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment, while Baldoni has countersued for $400 million, alleging defamation and extortion. Both parties deny the allegations against them.
Baldoni's team has even launched a website featuring text messages and other communications, claiming it proves Lively and Reynolds conspired to undermine him during It Ends With Us. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the couple has even extended to Lively’s other projects.
Director Paul Feig, who worked with her on Another Simple Favor, had to publicly clarify that Lively had no creative influence on the final cut of the film after social media users questioned her involvement.
With tensions running high and the legal battle escalating, Lively and Reynolds’ decision to joke about the controversy on SNL50 has only added fuel to the fire. As the case heads to court, public opinion remains divided—though it seems Hollywood insiders like Kevin Costner have already made up their minds.