During a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live, host Andy Cohen sparked tension by making an uncomfortable joke about the ongoing legal issues between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, while interviewing actress Allison Williams. Williams appeared on the show to discuss her new film, Regretting You, a movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s book, where the focus was quickly sidetracked by Cohen’s comment involving Baldoni and Lively’s high-profile dispute. The inclusion of this reference created a noticeably awkward moment on air, highlighting the lingering strain from the legal battle.
Background on the Conflict Between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively
The controversy began after the release of It Ends With Us, a film directed by and starring Justin Baldoni. Blake Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during production, alleging that he improvised unwanted kissing scenes and conducted a smear campaign against her reputation. Baldoni vehemently denied all claims and responded by filing a countersuit demanding $400 million in damages. Adding to the complexity, Justin’s former agent, Danny Greenberg, publicly characterized Blake’s actions as extortion aimed at gaining control of the film. This situation remains highly tumultuous and widely discussed within the entertainment industry.
Moment of Awkwardness on Watch What Happens Live
During the interview, Andy Cohen asked Allison Williams if she had read the source novel Regretting You, to which she responded that she had read the book multiple times to prepare for her role. She explained,
“Yes, I did a couple of times. It’s intimidating because everyone pictures something very specific when they read a book. And then you’re like, ‘We’re gonna decide.’ It’s a lot.”
At this point, Cohen injected a jarring remark:
“No one pictured Justin Baldoni and what’s-her-name when they read that book.”
The comment directly referenced Baldoni’s claim that Blake Lively had never actually read It Ends With Us before filming began. Cohen followed up by saying, “Anyway, love bringing that up.”
Despite the awkwardness, Allison Williams responded lightly, replying,
“I love you bringing it up.”
Her reaction maintained composure but underscored the uncomfortable nature of Cohen’s joke amidst the ongoing controversy.
Implications of the Exchange on WWHL
Andy Cohen’s attempt at humor in referencing the intense legal dispute between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively during Allison Williams’s interview added a layer of discomfort to the segment. The moment illustrated how the unresolved tensions from the lawsuit continue to affect public conversations around the involved parties. As Watch What Happens Live continues to air Sunday through Thursday, this moment serves as a reminder of the challenges celebrities face when private conflicts spill into the public sphere through media appearances.
