Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds ‘SNL50’ appearance could weaken lawsuit

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ appearance at Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary event could “undercut” their lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, says an expert.

Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment, starting a smear campaign and more during and after their work together on the film It Ends With Us. She further claimed that his behaviour had caused her emotional distress.

According to Camron Dowlatshahi, a partner at MSD Lawyers, "It could potentially affect them in the sense that they are out in public and clearly enjoying themselves, which would undercut any claim for emotional distress damages related to Blake’s sexual harassment claim. Typically, people who are severely distressed from sexual harassment are in therapy and trying to avoid publicly discussing and making light of their pending legal matter."

Reynolds joked about the lawsuit during the event when he was asked, “How’s it going?” by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and he responded, "Great, why? What have you heard?"

The Deadpool star, 48 and Lively, 37, have been together since 2011 and tied the knot in 2012. They are the proud parents of four children.

The lawyer also told Fox News that the joke “humanized” the couple, "It certainly humanizes Reynolds and Lively to have them out, showing their personalities that for years endeared them to fans. This is yet another indication that the couple (and Baldoni, of course) care more about their image and how the public views them, than underlying legal claims."

RELATED: Blake Lively reveals secret behind successful marriage with Ryan Reynolds