Topics: Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Justin Baldoni, Entertainment, News, Celebrity
Ryan Reynolds said he has 'never been more proud' of his wife Blake Lively during her high-profile legal battle with actor Justin Baldoni.
The Gossip Girl actress, 38, has been embroiled in the drama ever since she starred in the movie It Ends With Us in 2024, alongside Baldoni, 42, who also directed the film based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling book.
Shortly after starring opposite each other as love interests, Lively filed a lawsuit which accused Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, of sexual harassment and retaliation, alleging that he had launched a 'smear campaign' against her after she complained about the conditions on set.
However, on 2 April, a judge dismissed 10 of 13 allegations in Lively's case, including harassment and defamation.
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Left in place and due to go to a civil trial in New York on 18 May, are breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting in retaliation.
Now, issuing rare comments on the legal battle, Deadpool actor Reynolds, 49, has praised his wife and affirmed that 'people have no idea what is really going on'.
Speaking on Today's Sunday Sitdown Live series on Sunday, 19 April, he said: "You really see the illusion behind so much of this stuff, digital life versus real life.”
The actor continued: "Really, without getting into too much, I have never in my life been more proud of my wife. People have no idea what is really going on. I’ve never been more proud of someone in my life, with that level of integrity that they bring with them in everything they do."
Lively and Reynolds share four children - daughters James, 11, Inez, nine, and Betty, six, and a three-year-old son called Olin.
The star's new comments come just after his wife called him to serve as a witness in the legal battle.
As per PEOPLE Magazine, on 11 April, Lively identified the witnesses she wants a jury to hear from before proceedings, which include her husband.
The publication reports that the Marvel star is expected to testify about the film’s production and promotion, and the alleged retaliation and damages.
As for some of the allegations being thrown out, Judge Lewis Liman provided a host of reasons for doing so.
For example, the harassment claims Lively brought against Baldoni under California law didn't hold up because the filming took place in New Jersey.
Liman wrote: "None of these acts or occurrences provides the 'substantial connection' to California needed to sustain Lively's sexual harassment claims."
The judge also said the actress wasn't eligible to bring specific claims of harassment and retaliation because she was an 'independent contractor' rather than an employee.
He penned: "To be sure, much of what Lively complains about is not actionable. The Wayfarer Parties were entitled to engage public relations and crisis management specialists to protect their reputations. However, certain conduct at least arguably crossed the line."
