Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, two of Hollywood's most beloved stars, have confirmed they will not be attending the Golden Globes this Sunday, January 5, 2025. Their decision to skip the prestigious ceremony arrives amid serious legal troubles concerning Lively's co-star Justin Baldoni. Despite Reynolds' film, Deadpool & Wolverine, receiving a nomination for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, both he and his co-star Hugh Jackman are reportedly opting out.
This choice follows Lively's high-profile legal battles. On December 20, 2024, she filed lawsuits against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and the fostering of a toxic work environment during the filming of It Ends With Us, which has garnered considerable media attention. Lively accused Baldoni, who also directed and starred in the film, of making inappropriate comments and behavior, including showing her unwanted images and interfering with her professionalism on set.
Adding complexity to the situation, Lively claimed Baldoni hired publicists and crisis PR experts to ruin her reputation, which these professionals have denied. Just before the New Year, she escalated her legal action, filing another complaint against Baldoni, seeking compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress. Despite the serious nature of her allegations, sources close to Reynolds and Lively assert their absence from the Golden Globes was decided long before these legal troubles unraveled.
The source, speaking with Page Six, was clear: "The decision to skip the Globes isn’t due to the latest 'It Ends With Us' scandal, per sources." Interestingly, Lively's film received no nominations, and she wasn't scheduled to participate, making their absence seemingly unrelated to her legal confrontations, at least on the surface. Nevertheless, the close timing to the legal filings has stirred public intrigue about the connection between the two events.
Baldoni has denied all allegations leveled against him by Lively and has committed to defending himself vigorously. His legal representation, spearheaded by attorney Bryan Freedman, has made strong claims to counter Lively's accusations, intending to release text messages to provide evidence supporting Baldoni's side. "We want the truth to be out there. We want people to make their determination based on receipts," Freedman stated, highlighting the importance of transparency within the legal proceedings.
While Lively is seeking justice for herself and other potential victims, the outcomes of these lawsuits are already having rippling effects across the Hollywood community. Baldoni has faced professional backlash, suffering from losing representation and partnerships after these allegations emerged. His agency, William Morris Endeavor, dropped him as clients, and significant figures related to his work have distanced themselves.
On the other hand, Lively has received support from various peers, including her co-stars Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, alongside Colleen Hoover, the author whose novel inspired their film. These endorsements serve as public affirmations of solidarity as Lively navigates these turbulent times.
Both Reynolds and Lively are known for maintaining their family's united front. Their decision to skip the Golden Globes suggests they are prioritizing personal matters over public acclaim, allowing Lively some breathing room away from the limelight. Reynolds has also ramped up his support for his wife during this challenging period, as the couple remains committed to each other through both their incredibly successful careers and personal strife.
Comedian Nikki Glaser, slated to host the Golden Globes, made it clear she will not bring up the Lively-Baldoni debacle during the event, signaling the delicate nature of this controversy within the industry. With high stakes surrounding the legal proceedings and continued public interest, both the Golden Globes ceremony and the situation involving Lively will prominently dominate discussions among attendees and viewers alike.
This year’s Golden Globes will not only honor artistry but may also reflect the serious issues affecting its stars' personal lives, indicating how interconnected the realms of Hollywood's glamour and the grim realities faced behind the scenes can be. Moving forward, all eyes will be watching as this legal narrative evolves, and whether justice can be served amid the pressures of public scrutiny.