TODAY’S PAPER | February 22, 2026 | EPAPER

Blake Lively Ryan Reynolds marriage reportedly strained amid Justin Baldoni legal dispute

Ryan Reynolds absent from Blake Lively court settlement with Justin Baldoni sparks speculation


Pop Culture & Art February 14, 2026 1 min read
Courtesy: AFP

Speculation is mounting over the state of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ marriage as the couple faces increased public scrutiny amid Lively’s ongoing legal battle with director Justin Baldoni.

According to TikTok account @celebritea.blinds, Reynolds was notably absent from a court-ordered settlement conference in New York City on 11 February, where Lively appeared alone. The session, which lasted six hours, involved Lively and Baldoni addressing allegations related to Lively’s 2024 film It Ends with Us. Baldoni’s wife reportedly attended the meeting to provide support, highlighting Reynolds’ absence.

The TikTok post suggested that Reynolds may be prioritizing his public image amid the controversy, though the report has not been independently verified.

Reynolds and Lively have been seen together publicly less frequently in recent months, fueling speculation that the couple is “taking separate paths” to avoid further media attention.

Divorce rumors are not new for the pair. In 2024, Lively publicly dismissed claims of marital problems on Instagram, while Reynolds previously responded to similar speculation on X with humor, indicating their relationship remained intact. Both actors have historically laughed off reports of tension caused by demanding schedules and professional commitments.

The legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni stems from allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct made by Lively, which Baldoni has denied. Baldoni has countered with claims of defamation and creative interference. The settlement conference reportedly did not produce an agreement, and the civil trial is scheduled to begin on 18 May.

While the couple has not publicly addressed the current rumors, their reduced public appearances together and Reynolds’ decreased social media mentions of Lively have intensified speculation about their relationship status.

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