Comedian Sparks Controversy with Blake Lively Joke Amid Justin Baldoni Lawsuit

Hannah Berner, a comedian known for her biting humor, has landed in hot water after an awkwardly timed joke about actress Blake Lively in her new Netflix special, Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year. The quip came just as Lively is embroiled in a high-profile legal dispute with her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.

The Context Behind the Controversy

In her stand-up special, which debuted on December 27, Berner joked:

“The word c**t was trending this year. I don’t think Blake Lively was that bad.”

While intended as lighthearted commentary, the timing couldn’t have been worse. The special was released shortly after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign to damage her reputation.

The Lively vs. Baldoni Feud

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s working relationship on It Ends With Us appears to have soured significantly since the film’s release in August 2024.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni on the set of It Ends With Us (Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Lively’s lawsuit alleges:

• Sexual Harassment: Lively claims Baldoni made her work environment uncomfortable through inappropriate behavior.
• Smear Campaign: Text messages allegedly show Baldoni’s publicists strategizing ways to damage Lively’s reputation online.
• Tensions on Set: Lively cited poor on-set behavior as a contributing factor to their falling out.

In response, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, dismissed the allegations as “categorically false” and suggested Lively’s lawsuit is an attempt to recover from her own PR missteps.

Berner’s Reaction

After her joke sparked backlash, Berner quickly clarified the situation on Instagram:

“My joke in the Netflix roast was filmed before the news of the lawsuit. To be 100 percent clear, I support Blake xoxo.”

Hannah Berner poked fun at Lively in her recent Netflix comedy special (Netflix)

Despite her apology, some fans felt the remark was insensitive, given the ongoing legal drama. Others defended Berner, noting the joke’s timing was coincidental and the special had likely been filmed months earlier.

Public Opinion

The lawsuit and Berner’s joke have polarized fans:

• Team Lively: Many support Lively, commending her for speaking out against alleged harassment and industry sexism.
• Team Baldoni: Others believe the allegations are unfounded and driven by an effort to shift focus from Lively’s controversial public comments during the film’s press tour.

What’s Next?

The lawsuit is still unfolding, with Baldoni’s talent agency dropping him shortly after the filing. Meanwhile, Lively’s allegations and Berner’s Netflix joke have reignited discussions around workplace dynamics, celebrity reputations, and the line between comedy and insensitivity.

Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment (John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images)

Whether this controversy will affect Berner’s comedic career or the ongoing legal case remains to be seen.

Featured Image Credit: Netflix / John Nacion / Variety via Getty Images