Chelsea Handler’s hosting gig at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards got off to a rocky start on Friday night 

when her joke about Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s ongoing legal battle sparked outrage. 

The 49-year-old comedian, known for her sharp wit and often controversial humor, left many viewers fuming 

after poking fun at the serious allegations of sexual harassment that have emerged from the lawsuit between Lively and Baldoni.

During her opening monologue, Handler took aim at the high-profile legal dispute, which has been making headlines for weeks. 

The actress and her *It Ends With Us* co-star and director have been embroiled in a legal battle after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on set, claiming his actions caused her significant distress. 

Handler, however, appeared to downplay the severity of the situation, making light of the ongoing case in front of a live audience.

“It’s important in times like these to have a distraction,” Handler began, referring to the current political climate and turmoil in the United States. “And that’s why I want to personally extend my gratitude to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.” The comedian continued, “Thank you for providing us with that distraction,” seemingly reducing the serious nature of the lawsuit to a trivial diversion from larger societal issues.

Handler then added, “I’m grateful. I think we’re all grateful. And I think we’re good.” She wrapped up her commentary on the lawsuit with an ill-timed remark, referencing the film *It Ends With Us*, in which both Lively and Baldoni starred. “I think everyone in this room can agree, no matter whose side you’re on, we can all agree to accept that there’s probably not going to be a sequel,” she said, alluding to the possibility that the film franchise may be halted as a result of the lawsuit.

The joke was met with immediate backlash from viewers, many of whom found the comments distasteful and insensitive given the gravity of the accusations involved. The legal case centers on Lively’s claim that Baldoni’s behavior during the production of *It Ends With Us* caused her “grief, fear, trauma, and extreme anxiety.” Lively’s lawsuit has sparked intense media coverage, with the actress accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on set.

In response to Handler’s joke, social media erupted with criticism. One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) expressed their frustration, writing, “What’s so funny about a sexual harassment case?” Another user added, “Chelsea Handler just called Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s case a ‘distraction from life.’ I’m already pissed off.” The tone of Handler’s comments, made in the midst of the very serious allegations, appeared tone-deaf to many who felt that the situation should not be made light of in such a public forum.

One viewer further commented, “First joke of the night about a woman being sexually harassed on set… okay,” highlighting the discomfort felt by many audience members at the way the matter was trivialized.

The legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has been making headlines for weeks, after the actress filed a shocking lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of their movie. Lively alleges that Baldoni’s actions while on set led to severe emotional distress, including anxiety and trauma. The actor and director, in response, has denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against *The New York Times* for publishing an article detailing the claims. Baldoni has also sought substantial financial damages, requesting a jury trial and a $400 million judgment.

While Handler’s joke about the situation may have been intended as a humorous commentary on the absurdity of public legal battles, the response from viewers underscores the delicate nature of discussing ongoing harassment cases in the public eye. The controversy highlights the need for sensitivity when addressing serious matters like sexual harassment, especially when those affected are in the entertainment industry, where power dynamics and public scrutiny can exacerbate the emotional toll.

Handler’s remarks have left many questioning whether her humor crossed a line, and whether a more thoughtful approach to such sensitive topics would have been more appropriate. As the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues, it’s clear that the public discussion surrounding the case will remain heated, with many hoping for justice and accountability for the parties involved. 

In the wake of this controversy, it remains to be seen how Handler will address the backlash, and whether future events will see her tone shift when discussing similarly sensitive issues.

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