Ryan Reynolds ignited controversy after making a joke about Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand in a recent interview, sparking backlash from fans who felt the humor was misplaced. The exchange occurred during his appearance on Conan O’Brien’s podcast, where Reynolds made light of Markle’s jam business despite ongoing public scrutiny surrounding both Markle and his wife, Blake Lively.
On the podcast, Reynolds shared stories about his father Jimmy, who was a police officer turned food broker. Reynolds joked that his father might have been a spy in disguise, working as a “middleman for jars of jam.” Conan O’Brien quickly connected the comment to Markle’s jam brand, asking,
“What? He works for Meghan Markle?”
O’Brien then poked fun at the product, saying,
“Tiny jams. Harvestable jams. Made from the oils of Montecito.”
Reynolds continued the jest, suggesting he would’ve believed his father was connected to Markle if he were still alive. O’Brien added,
“Many people have likened the two.”
Fans React Sharply Amid Ongoing Legal Troubles Tied to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
The humor in Reynolds’ comments was met with strong disapproval, especially as fans criticized his sidestepping of sensitive issues tied to his wife Blake Lively. Lively is currently involved in a high-profile legal battle with Justin Baldoni, which has captured significant media attention. The dispute arose from allegations Lively filed accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment during the production of It Ends With Us. In response, Baldoni launched a countersuit against Lively and Reynolds, charging defamation, invasion of privacy, and civil extortion.
The trial is scheduled for spring 2026, though a pretrial hearing took place in February 2025. In June 2025, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit, concluding that Lively’s initial claims were prejudicial and thus insufficient as a legal basis. Despite this, the conflict continues to fuel tensions surrounding Reynolds and Lively, leading many fans to question the appropriateness of Reynolds’ comedic choices.
During his podcast interview, Reynolds claimed he has moved away from “punching down” in his comedy, saying,
“Like I’ve done it, I did it once in my life and I deeply, deeply regretted it. It was 22 years ago, and it was such a lesson I’ll never forget it.”
However, viewers felt this statement conflicted with his recent actions, perceiving his joke about Markle as insensitive and dismissive of ongoing personal and legal struggles.
Meghan Markle Faces Continued Public Backlash and Personal Challenges
Meghan Markle remains a polarizing figure since stepping back from royal duties, enduring persistent criticism from some fans and media outlets. Although she has pursued new ventures such as the As Ever brand and collaborations with Netflix, public sentiment around Markle appears fraught with tension. Vanity Fair cited sources close to Markle and Prince Harry who described the couple as
“most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet.”
One insider revealed that Markle could become “really, really awful” when events do not unfold according to her wishes, becoming cold or distant towards those she blames. They added,
“She’s just very aware of where everybody is on her board. And when you are not in, you are to be thrown to the wolves at any given moment.”
Another source observed that much of the couple’s difficulties stem from
“due to Meghan and Harry’s own demands.”
This controversy surrounding Markle’s public image adds complexity to Ryan Reynolds’ joke about her entrepreneurial efforts, especially considering Markle recently disclosed her struggles with self-doubt as a female business leader. Speaking to Hannah Mendoza of Confessions of a Female Founder, Markle acknowledged the challenge of managing her brand while facing personal hardships.
Reynolds’ Joke Highlights the Intersection of Celebrity, Business, and Controversy
Ryan Reynolds’ joke about Meghan Markle’s As Ever brand represents more than a simple jest; it underscores the intricate dynamics between public figures grappling with personal and professional controversies. While some may view the humor as lighthearted, the backlash reveals growing sensitivity around issues of respect, reputation, and accountability in celebrity culture.
The ongoing legal battle involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni adds pressure on Reynolds, as fans expect him to navigate these fraught matters with greater caution. Meanwhile, Markle’s enduring scrutiny illustrates the challenges faced by public figures attempting to redefine themselves beyond their past roles.
As these stories continue to unfold, the responses to Reynolds’ comments may influence how celebrities balance humor with the realities of their personal and professional lives. The pregnant tension around these issues suggests that future interviews and public appearances will be closely watched for signs of accountability and sensitivity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Blake Lively a Nepo baby?
A. She doesn’t openly show off her Hollywood background, but it’s present. Although she didn’t start in big movies as a child, her path to fame wasn’t entirely by chance.
Q. Is Blake Lively a millionaire?
A. Blake Lively, even though she’s under 40, has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years. During this time, she has earned a net worth of $30 million, based on data from Celebrity Net Worth.
Q. Is Blake Lively a Nepo child?
A. Blake Lively is considered a “nepo baby,” which refers to actors with family connections in showbiz. Her parents, Elaine and Ernie Lively, were actors.
