Amidst legal turmoil involving his wife, Blake Lively, 'Deadpool' Ryan Reynolds stepped out for his first public appearance at the National Board of Review Awards in the Big Apple.
- January 8, 2025
AceShowbiz - Ryan Reynolds is back in the public eye, marking his first appearance since his wife, Blake Lively, filed a high-profile lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, her "It Ends with Us" costar and director Justin Baldoni.
The 48-year-old actor and producer attended the National Board of Review Awards gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on January 7, where he presented an award and mingled with notable figures from the entertainment industry.
Reynolds cut a dashing figure in a light gray suit with dark gray lapels, paired with a white button-down shirt and black dress shoes. He added a touch of sophistication with brown reading glasses. While the actor made headlines for his elegant look, his presence held greater significance in the shadow of the controversy surrounding his wife's legal battle.
Lively's lawsuit, filed on 'ber 20, accuses Baldoni of harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. The allegations cite disturbing misconduct on the "It Ends with Us" set, which Lively claims led to a hostile work environment. Baldoni's lawyer has denied these allegations, describing them as "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious." He sued The New York Times for $250 million, accusing the outlet of running "cherry-picked" story from Lively's side.
During the National Board of Review Awards, Reynolds took the stage to introduce the film "Wicked", which received the accolade for best movie of 2024. In his speech, he praised the film's focus on strong female leads, stating, "Wicked is indeed wicked. It dares to center on two powerful women."
Despite the personal upheaval, Reynolds appeared composed as he posed for photos with the cast of "Wicked", including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater. The evening also saw Reynolds catching up with fellow presenters Robert Pattinson, Jesse Eisenberg, and Sofia Coppola.
Reynolds and Lively, who share four children - James, 10; Inez, 8; Betty, 5; and Olin, born in 2023 - have maintained a low profile since the lawsuit was filed.
In a world where the pressures on women in the film industry are often magnified, Reynolds' unequivocal support for Lively resonates deeply. Whether professionally or personally, the couple's solidarity remains unshaken amidst the ongoing legal battles.
