Even in the thick of a legal firestorm, Blake Lively is proving she knows how to put on a brave face—and a stylish outfit.
The Gossip Girl star has been juggling a flurry of press appearances in New York City while also navigating a very public legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.
And through it all, she’s been hand-in-hand with husband Ryan Reynolds, showing a united front.
Stepping Out in Style with Ryan by Her Side
On Tuesday, Blake and Ryan were spotted strolling through NYC, casually affectionate despite the whirlwind they’re in.
They looked calm and connected, holding hands and flashing smiles as cameras trailed them.
Blake rocked a ruched black leather top and matching pants, paired with silver-embellished pumps and a playful, colorful purse.
Ryan, always effortlessly cool, went for a more relaxed vibe in tan pants, a striped button-up, and a burgundy jacket.
Their sweet public outing came just days after Marvel filed a motion in court requesting to be removed from the ongoing lawsuit involving the Deadpool & Wolverine film.
The legal filing was tied to Reynolds’ “Nicepool” character—a variant version of Deadpool who apparently sparked some real-world controversy.
Marvel Wants Out of the Lawsuit Drama
Last Friday, Marvel sent a letter to Judge Lewis J. Liman asking to “quash the subpoena” that had been issued by Baldoni’s company, Wayfarer Studios.
The company not only wants out but also wants a protective order to keep their confidential documents from being dragged into the case.
Marvel’s team argued that any discussion about Reynolds’ “Nicepool” character should be paused until a judge makes a decision on their motion to dismiss.
“Nicepool,” for the unfamiliar, is a manbun-sporting character played by Reynolds in the film, and some of his lines and appearance bear a not-so-subtle resemblance to Baldoni himself.
One particular scene features Nicepool commenting on a character named “Ladypool,” praising her post-baby appearance—lines that seemed to poke fun at real-life feminist declarations Baldoni has made in the past.
Blake Juggles Press Duties with Lawsuit Stress
Despite all this, Blake has been busy promoting her new film, Another Simple Favor.
On the same day she stepped out with Ryan, she was also seen in NYC’s West Village grabbing a slice at L’Antica Pizzeria with director Paul Feig and co-star Lorenzo de Moor.
Blake wore a chic black tweed vest and matching trousers, accessorized with a glittering pizza-shaped purse—yes, really—and spiky silver pumps.
She later made another appearance in Chinatown, switching into a black cropped tank and a fitted skirt with chunky embellishments, topped off with studded black heels.
Blake looked confident and cheerful, even as the shadows of the lawsuit loomed overhead.
Inside the Explosive Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Hollywood lawsuit. Blake has accused Baldoni of sexual assault and launching a smear campaign against her—allegations that have stirred major industry conversation.
In response to Marvel’s recent court filing, Baldoni’s legal team hit back, claiming the company didn’t properly consult with them before trying to duck out of the subpoena.
In a letter obtained by People, Baldoni’s team detailed an April 7 phone call with Marvel’s lawyers, alleging that Marvel’s reps abruptly shut down attempts to compromise on confidentiality concerns.
Instead, Marvel’s counsel reportedly asked what documents were “really” needed—specifically those concerning the Nicepool character and Baldoni himself.
A Red Carpet with Tension and a Hint of Feud
Earlier this week, Blake attended the premiere of Another Simple Favor in NYC, supported by her family and husband.
But things got a little awkward on the red carpet when she posed with co-star Anna Kendrick.
The two were seen smiling for cameras, but body language experts (and online fans) couldn’t help but notice a certain stiffness.
Rumors of a feud have swirled since March, especially after Kendrick dodged questions about working with Blake during an SXSW interview.
When asked how the lawsuit was affecting the film’s promotion, Kendrick gave a bizarre response: “Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone.”
She laughed and pivoted away from the question, leaving people wondering if things are actually tense behind the scenes.
Online Critics Target Blake’s Wardrobe
As if legal troubles and cast drama weren’t enough, Blake also got hit with a wave of social media teasing over a wardrobe mishap.
At the Sunday premiere, she wore a beautiful light blue gown with cutouts and a sheer skirt, but eagle-eyed fans spotted body makeup stains under her arms.
Comments like “unfortunate armpit spray tan” and “can’t unsee it” flooded Instagram, proving even fashion queens like Blake aren’t immune to internet scrutiny.
Expert Weighs in on Blake and Ryan’s PDA Strategy
Public relations expert Sarah Schmidt told DailyMail.com that the couple’s cozy public appearances may be more calculated than they appear.
“When the headlines get heavy, love becomes a very convenient distraction,” she explained.
“Blake and Ryan turning up the PDA right now isn’t random—it’s a classic Hollywood play.”
Schmidt added that while audiences love a love story, if things feel too staged, it could all backfire. “There’s a fine line between sweet and strategic,” she warned.
“Right now, it’s giving Blake a little breathing room, but people are watching closely.”
Megyn Kelly Weighs in with Controversial Comment
At the Time100 Gala last week, where Blake made a glowing appearance, media personality Megyn Kelly shared a harsh opinion about the actress’s presence at the event.
She bluntly told DailyMail.com, “She shouldn’t be here,” going on to claim Blake’s lawsuit was “a ridiculous joke” and implying it was a fabricated #MeToo allegation that had fallen apart.
The comment sparked more backlash, adding fuel to an already raging fire.
What’s Next for Blake and the Film?
Despite the chaos, Another Simple Favor is still set for release on Amazon Prime Video on May 1.
Blake will also be making her return to talk shows later this week with an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers—another opportunity to charm audiences while the drama continues behind the scenes.
For now, Blake Lively is walking the fine line between red carpet glam and courtroom tension, using fashion, charm, and maybe a little strategic PDA to hold it all together.
