Chelsea Handler Roasts Justin Baldoni And Blake Lively’s Legal Feud 

Chelsea Handler’s remarks alluded to the continued authorized battle that started in December, when “Gossip Woman” alum Blake Energetic accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and emotional misery in the course of the filming of “It Ends With Us,” prompting Baldoni to countersue Energetic and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation.

The comic framed their bitter feud as an sudden silver lining amid President Donald Trump’s second time period, joking that it’s offered a much-needed break from the each day information cycle.

“Waking up day-after-day, not understanding what information we’re going to hear that can disappoint or horrify us. So, it’s necessary, in instances like these, to have a distraction. And that’s why I need to personally lengthen my gratitude to Justin Baldoni and Blake Energetic,” Handler quipped, including:

“Thanks for offering us with that distraction. I’m grateful. I believe we’re all grateful, and I believe we’re good. I believe everyone on this room, irrespective of whose aspect you’re on, we will all agree to simply accept that there’s in all probability not going to be a sequel.”

The continued dispute has captivated Hollywood, drawing sharp divisions amongst followers and trade insiders.

“If this case continues to be litigated within the press, I’ll transfer up the trial date,” Liman acknowledged, emphasizing the necessity for authorized proceedings to happen within the courtroom somewhat than the media.

To forestall additional media affect on the case, Liman ordered each events to comply with the New York Guidelines of Skilled Conduct, which prohibits attorneys from making public statements that might bias a jury. Regardless of accusations from Energetic’s group that Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has made “extrajudicial statements” that come near defamation, the decide has stopped wanting issuing formal sanctions.

Baldoni and Energetic weren’t the one targets of Handler’s sharp wit. Later in her speech, she poked enjoyable at Ariana Grande’s relationship together with her “Depraved” co-star Ethan Slater, making a reference to his Broadway previous.

“It’s so good to see a few of our most beloved baby stars all grown up and thriving. Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande are all nominated tonight. And now Ariana has even discovered love with a munchkin,” Handler joked, referencing Slater’s position in “Depraved.”

The joke, nonetheless, didn’t appear to land as anticipated, with the viewers providing solely delicate laughter. Noticing the lukewarm response, Handler reassured the gang, saying, “That’s excellent news, everyone.”

In keeping with PEOPLE, the cameras panned to Grande and Slater, who appeared “lower than amused” by the comment.

Grande and Slater’s relationship has confronted ongoing scrutiny ever since they had been first linked in 2023.

The backlash stemmed largely from the timing of their romance, as Slater had not too long ago divorced his spouse, main many followers to query the circumstances of their relationship.

In an October 2024 interview with GQ, Slater admitted that coping with the general public criticism has been difficult. “So simply to handle that a part of it, that feels actually laborious,” he mentioned on the time.

In the meantime, Grande has been vocal in defending her boyfriend from the unfavorable consideration. In September 2024, the “Honeymoon Avenue” singer gushed about Slater, insisting that “nobody on this earth has a greater coronary heart.”

“And that’s one thing that no bullsh-t tabloid can rewrite in actual life,” she added.

Chelsea Handler has by no means been one to shrink back from controversy, and her Critics Selection Awards monologue was no exception. From authorized feuds to relationship drama, she made certain to depart no Hollywood scandal untouched.