Ryan Reynolds Reportedly Worried Blake Lively’s Lawsuit Would ‘Erode’ Their ‘Relationship’ Before Justin Baldoni Settlement
The drama surrounding It Ends With Us, Blake Lively, and Justin Baldoni got so big at one point that it seemed bigger than the people involved. Everyone had an opinion, and everyone wanted a say. And as Lively continued to allege sexual harassment and Baldoni denied anything ever took place, people wondered how it would all affect Lively’s friendships and her relationship with her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
According to RadarOnline, Reynolds was instrumental in the decision to settle the lawsuit. “Ryan saw the full picture early,” one insider said. “He knew the longer this dragged on, the more it would erode everything – her career, her reputation, even their closest relationships.”
Related: Here are all the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Texts and Emails
Reportedly, he was always fully behind her and saw the settlement as a way to protect her.
Both sides claimed victory in the settlement, which saw no money exchanging hands but established that Lively’s claims deserved to be heard. A joint statement from both parties about the movie emphasized how it made “a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors – and all survivors.”
The statement continued, “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”
Lively had not just claimed sexual harassment, but conspiracy, all in reference to a campaign of misinformation she alleged was started against her on social media, and could be traced back to Baldoni. Before the settlement, New York Federal Court Judge Lewis J. Liman tossed out 10 of Lively’s 13 claims and dismissed Baldoni’s claim.
Back then, Lively said that the lawsuit was “the last thing I wanted in my life, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continued to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.”
What does this mean for Lively’s future? An industry exec told the outlet, “Lively and Baldoni both did major damage, but because she’s so established, I think she stands a chance of reemerging better than he does. I would struggle to hire both of them – but I would gamble on her.”
And according to Hollywood insider Rob Shuter, Lively is now planning her comeback and is being very selective about what events she attends. “Blake knows exactly how powerful a perfect photograph can be,” one insider said. “A stunning image creates conversation without creating risk. Photos don’t ask difficult follow-ups.”
The strategy reportedly kicked off at the Met Gala, where Lively posed for photographs but avoided substantive interviews. “The mission is very deliberate,” another insider explained. “They want audiences talking about how incredible she looks, not revisiting old narratives.”
“Right now, silence is part of the strategy,” the insider added. “Blake is letting the visuals speak for her.”
Will that work long term? Why not? People forget fast these days.
