Chelsea Handler Roasts Justin Baldoni And Blake Lively’s Legal Feud 

Chelsea Handler didn’t hold back during her Critics Choice Awards monologue on Friday, taking aim at the ongoing legal battle between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.

Chelsea Handler’s remarks alluded to the ongoing legal battle that began in December, when "Gossip Girl" alum Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and emotional distress during the filming of "It Ends With Us," prompting Baldoni to countersue Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation.

The comedian framed their bitter feud as an unexpected silver lining amid President Donald Trump’s second term, joking that it’s provided a much-needed break from the daily news cycle.

“Waking up every day, not knowing what news we are going to hear that will disappoint or horrify us. So, it’s important, in times like these, to have a distraction. And that’s why I want to personally extend my gratitude to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively,” Handler quipped, adding:

“Thank you for providing us with that distraction. I’m grateful. I think we’re all grateful, and I think we’re good. I think everybody in this room, no matter whose side you’re on, we can all agree to accept that there’s probably not going to be a sequel.”

The ongoing dispute has captivated Hollywood, drawing sharp divisions among fans and industry insiders.

The case is set to go to trial in March 2026, but New York federal judge Lewis J. Liman has warned both sides that continued public sparring could lead to an earlier court date.

“If this case continues to be litigated in the press, I will move up the trial date,” Liman stated, emphasizing the need for legal proceedings to take place in the courtroom rather than the media.

To prevent further media influence on the case, Liman ordered both parties to follow the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibits lawyers from making public statements that could bias a jury. Despite accusations from Lively’s team that Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has made “extrajudicial statements” that come close to defamation, the judge has stopped short of issuing formal sanctions.

Baldoni and Lively weren’t the only targets of Handler’s sharp wit. Later in her speech, she poked fun at Ariana Grande’s relationship with her "Wicked" co-star Ethan Slater, making a reference to his Broadway past.

“It is so nice to see some of our most beloved child stars all grown up and thriving. Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande are all nominated tonight. And now Ariana has even found love with a munchkin,” Handler joked, referencing Slater’s role in "Wicked."

The joke, however, didn’t seem to land as expected, with the audience offering only mild laughter. Noticing the lukewarm reaction, Handler reassured the crowd, saying, “That’s good news, everybody.”

According to PEOPLE, the cameras panned to Grande and Slater, who looked “less than amused” by the remark.

Grande and Slater’s relationship has faced ongoing scrutiny ever since they were first linked in 2023.

The backlash stemmed largely from the timing of their romance, as Slater had recently divorced his wife, leading many fans to question the circumstances of their relationship.

In an October 2024 interview with GQ, Slater admitted that dealing with the public criticism has been challenging. “So just to address that part of it, that feels really hard,” he said at the time.

Meanwhile, Grande has been vocal in defending her boyfriend from the negative attention. In September 2024, the "Honeymoon Avenue" singer gushed about Slater, insisting that “no one on this earth has a better heart.”

“And that is something that no bullsh-t tabloid can rewrite in real life,” she added.

Chelsea Handler has never been one to shy away from controversy, and her Critics Choice Awards monologue was no exception. From legal feuds to relationship drama, she made sure to leave no Hollywood scandal untouched.