Bethenny Frankel isn’t holding back her thoughts on Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ unexpected moment on SNL 50: The Anniversary Special. The reality TV star and business mogul praised the couple for leaning into the controversy surrounding their legal dispute with Justin Baldoni, calling their decision to appear on the show “marketing genius.”
Frankel Applauds Lively and Reynolds for Facing Controversy Head-On
The Real Housewives of New York City alum took to TikTok on Monday to share her perspective, emphasizing that Saturday Night Live has always tackled controversial figures and topics.
“SNL was nothing short of brilliant for having them on last night. It’s marketing genius,” Frankel said in her video.
She added that Lively and Reynolds are “the epicenter” of pop culture right now, whether people like it or not. Given their ongoing lawsuits with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni, their presence at the star-studded SNL 50 special carried significant weight.
“They are the zeitgeist of what is popular culture,” Frankel stated, implying that their decision to embrace the moment rather than shy away from the public eye was a strategic move.
Hollywood Divided Over the Couple’s Appearance
While Frankel praised Reynolds and Lively for attending the SNL celebration despite their legal battle, not everyone saw it as a smart choice.
Some Hollywood insiders told Page Six that the couple should have “sat this one out.” One source suggested that Baldoni’s legal team could use their public appearance as ammunition in the ongoing lawsuit.
“It’s very plausible that Justin’s legal team will use this public outing to defend Baldoni,” the source claimed.
Baldoni, 41, has denied all of Lively’s allegations, and a trial is scheduled for March 9, 2026.
The Joke That Got Everyone Talking
Reynolds wasted no time making light of the situation during SNL 50’s opening segment. As Tina Fey and Amy Poehler worked the audience, they singled him out and asked how he was doing.
His response? “Great! Why, what have you heard?”
The line immediately sparked discussion, with some fans applauding the actor’s humor while others questioned whether it was appropriate given the legal circumstances.
Frankel, however, saw it as a brilliant PR move, arguing that the only way to deal with controversy is to confront it head-on.
“For Ryan and Blake to participate is nothing short of genius,” she said in a separate TikTok post. “Because the only way to weather a storm is to go straight through it.”
Lively’s Hesitation and Ultimate Decision to Attend
Despite the controversy, a source revealed to Page Six that Lively was initially hesitant about making an appearance at the event. Given the ongoing lawsuit against Baldoni, she reportedly questioned whether it was the right time to be in the spotlight.
However, she ultimately decided to go, and according to the insider, “she’s glad she went and had a really nice time.”
The source added, “Blake and Ryan have no regrets about making an appearance, and they’re glad they showed up because they have nothing to hide and no reason not to.”
Frankel’s Previous Comments on the Baldoni-Lively Rift
This isn’t the first time Bethenny Frankel has weighed in on the tension between Lively and Baldoni. Back in January, she addressed their ongoing feud in another TikTok video, claiming that something felt “off” at the It Ends With Us New York City premiere in August 2024.
“Something was definitely awry from the jump, and it was palpable,” Frankel said at the time.
While the full details of the lawsuit remain confidential, the case has already caused a stir in Hollywood, with opinions split on who’s in the right.
What’s Next?
With the trial set for 2026, the drama between Lively and Baldoni is far from over. Whether Reynolds and Lively continue to address the situation in public—or let their legal team handle the rest—remains to be seen.
For now, their SNL 50 moment has cemented itself as one of the most talked-about pop culture moments of the year.
