Actress Blake Lively recently appeared in New York at a major legal meeting connected to her dispute with director Justin Baldoni, but noticeably missing from the scene was her husband, Ryan Reynolds. And in celebrity-watching culture, absence can sometimes speak louder than words.
The New York settlement conference, which reportedly lasted six hours, centered on the ongoing legal conflict tied to Lively’s 2024 film It Ends with Us. According to online chatter, Lively attended the meeting alone, while Baldoni’s wife was reportedly present to support him. That contrast didn’t go unnoticed by fans or social media commentators, who quickly began speculating about what Reynolds’ absence might mean.
The legal dispute itself is serious. Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, allegations he denies. Baldoni has responded with counterclaims involving defamation and creative interference. The settlement conference reportedly ended without resolution, and the case is expected to move forward to a civil trial scheduled for May 18. While the legal fight continues, the public conversation has expanded to include questions about Lively’s personal life, particularly her marriage, per The Express Tribune.
Ryan Reynolds’ Absence Raises Eyebrows During New York Legal Showdown
Online speculation has only intensified in recent months as Lively and Reynolds have been seen together less frequently in public. The TikTok account that highlighted Reynolds’ absence suggested he may be protecting his public image while controversy surrounds the lawsuit, though that claim remains unverified. Still, in the age of social media, perception often becomes part of the story.
This isn’t the first time rumors have swirled around the couple. Over the years, both actors have dealt with gossip about their relationship, usually brushing it off with humor or direct denials. In 2024, Lively publicly dismissed claims of marital trouble on Instagram, while Reynolds joked about similar rumors on social media, reinforcing the image of a couple who doesn’t take tabloid speculation too seriously.
But this situation feels different to some observers, largely because it involves a high-stakes legal conflict rather than just busy filming schedules. Social media reactions have been especially intense. Some viewers sympathize with Lively’s position, while others have criticized both stars.
“She single handedly tanked both of their careers with one lawsuit,” one person wrote. “I’m so unbelievably sick of Blake Lively,” said another. “This has cost her so much,” a third person chimed in. “He’s trying to get away from the bad press, leaving his wife in a rough moment for her is only painting him in a worse light, regardless of what she’s done,” a fourth comment read.
Public Scrutiny Grows as Blake Lively Faces Court Battle Alone
Whether fair or not, these reactions show how quickly public opinion can shift when celebrity relationships intersect with legal drama. Hollywood couples often balance personal loyalty with professional reputations, and moments like this can put both under a microscope.
For now, neither Lively nor Reynolds has publicly addressed the latest wave of speculation. That silence leaves room for interpretation, something celebrity culture rarely resists. Some fans believe Reynolds’ absence could simply be logistical or strategic, especially given how sensitive legal proceedings can be. Others see it as a possible sign of strain during an already difficult period.
What remains clear is that the lawsuit itself is far from over, and the emotional and professional stakes appear high for everyone involved. Legal battles in the entertainment world often stretch on for months or years, and the public narrative can evolve just as quickly as courtroom developments.
As the case moves forward, all eyes remain on the couple both individually and together as they navigate one of the most challenging chapters of their public lives. In New York, where the legal drama continues to unfold, the outcome of the case may ultimately matter less to fans than what happens next for their marriage.
Sabrina Russell 
Kenna Raye 
Preston Thomas 
