On February 11, 2026, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni appeared in a New York City courtroom for a pre-trial settlement hearing related to the ongoing It Ends with Us lawsuit. The inability of both parties to reach an agreement means the case will continue through the legal process. This marks a critical phase in the dispute, with the Blake Lively court hearing drawing notable attention due to Reynolds’ absence.
Ryan Reynolds Chooses Not to Attend, Stoking Public Reaction
Ryan Reynolds, 49, was notably absent from the courthouse, leaving Lively to face the proceedings alone. Instead of appearing in court, Reynolds shared a reel on Instagram from @joy101 and publicly acknowledged Joel Klein, a retired electrician. Speculation has emerged that Reynolds, who has consistently supported his wife in the past, opted to attend a soccer match rather than join her at the legal hearing.
Public Reactions and Social Media Divisions
The absence of Reynolds triggered mixed responses on the social platform X. Some users criticized him for not being “man enough” to stand beside his wife in court, while others commended Lively’s bravery in handling the situation independently. Just days before the hearing, Reynolds celebrated the fifth anniversary of his and Rob McElhenney’s role as co-founders of Wrexham AFC by posting a remembrance photo, adding another layer to the timeline of events surrounding this case.
Implications and What to Expect Next
With neither Blake Lively nor Ryan Reynolds addressing questions about the lawsuit or Reynolds’ decision to skip the hearing, the case’s trajectory remains uncertain. The failed settlement talks suggest that the legal dispute over It Ends with Us will continue, potentially drawing more public and media attention as it progresses. Lively’s solitary courtroom presence highlights the pressures of this ongoing conflict, underscoring the tension surrounding this high-profile case.
