Bethenny Frankel has publicly praised Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively for their recent appearance on the SNL 50 anniversary special. The reality TV star called their decision to attend amid a high-profile legal battle with director Justin Baldoni a “brilliant” public relations strategy. Frankel shared her analysis on TikTok, highlighting the couple’s choice to confront the controversy directly on a major public stage.
Frankel Lauds Couple’s ‘Marketing Genius’
The former Real Housewives of New York City star did not mince words in her social media video, commending the couple for their bold move. She pointed out that Saturday Night Live has a long history of featuring controversial figures, making it the perfect venue for Reynolds and Lively.
“SNL was nothing short of brilliant for having them on last night. It’s marketing genius,” Frankel stated. She believes that by showing up, the couple placed themselves at the “epicenter” of the cultural conversation.
Frankel further argued that Reynolds and Lively represent the current pop culture zeitgeist. Her point was that avoiding the spotlight would have been a weaker choice than embracing it. “The only way to weather a storm is to go straight through it,” she said in a follow-up post, reinforcing her belief in their strategy.
The On-Air Joke That Fueled the Debate
During the SNL 50 opening, hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler engaged with Ryan Reynolds in the audience. When they asked him how he was doing, he responded with a perfectly timed joke that alluded to his legal troubles.
“Great! Why, what have you heard?” Reynolds quipped.
The line instantly created a buzz online. While many fans praised his humor and confidence, others questioned if it was appropriate to make light of an ongoing lawsuit. Frankel, however, viewed the joke as part of the masterclass in public relations, showing they were in control of the narrative.
Hollywood’s Divided Reaction and Legal Warnings
Not everyone in the entertainment industry agreed with Frankel’s assessment. Some insiders believe the appearance was a strategic misstep for Reynolds and Lively.
According to sources who spoke with Page Six, some Hollywood professionals felt the couple should have kept a lower profile. The primary concern is that their public appearance and jokes could be used against them in court.
- The Risk: One source claimed that Justin Baldoni’s legal team could potentially use the SNL appearance as evidence in their case.
- The Defense: Conversely, Frankel and the couple’s supporters see it as a sign of confidence, suggesting they have nothing to fear from public scrutiny.
Baldoni has consistently denied the allegations made against him by Lively. The trial is currently scheduled for March 2026, leaving a long road ahead for both parties.
Behind Lively’s Decision to Attend SNL 50
Despite the confident front, sources revealed that Blake Lively was initially unsure about attending the event. The gravity of the lawsuit with Baldoni made her question whether stepping into the spotlight was the right move at this time.
Ultimately, she chose to go with her husband. An insider close to the couple explained that she was happy with her decision and had a good time at the anniversary special.
The source clarified that “Blake and Ryan have no regrets about making an appearance.” They reportedly felt it was important to show up because they believe they have “nothing to hide and no reason not to.” Their presence was a deliberate statement to the public and the industry.
