Saturday

05-24-2025 Vol 1970

Rob McElhenney Stands by Ryan Reynolds Amid Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni

Rob McElhenney, the star of ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ has expressed his unwavering support for his close friend Ryan Reynolds in light of a legal dispute involving Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively, and filmmaker Justin Baldoni.

In a recent interview with Variety, McElhenney, alongside his wife Kaitlin Olson, addressed the trying circumstances surrounding their friends. They mentioned the emotional toll the situation has taken and emphasized their commitment to providing support during this challenging time.

Since acquiring Wrexham A.F.C. in November 2020, McElhenney and Reynolds have transformed the struggling Welsh soccer team into a remarkable success. Under their ownership, the team has achieved several promotions and recently won a significant match that propelled them to the EFL Championship level.

Wrexham A.F.C. now stands on the brink of reaching the prestigious Premier League, a feat that has astonished many. The duo not only rekindled the community’s love for the team but also stimulated local engagement and support.

The pair has documented their journey through the FX series ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ which premiered in August 2022 and is currently airing its fourth season. The series has garnered acclaim, earning McElhenney and Reynolds two Emmy Awards.

Amidst the successful trajectory of Wrexham A.F.C., McElhenney conveyed his deep affection for Reynolds, noting that their bond remains steadfast despite the ongoing legal challenges.

“It’s just our way of staying connected and navigating something together,” McElhenney told Variety, emphasizing their efforts to support their friends amid adversity.

He added, “And also me giving and showing as much support as I possibly can with all the other stuff that he’s got going on, that I know is so difficult and challenging.”

This sentiment of support is echoed by Kaitlin Olson, reflecting their collective commitment to uplift Reynolds and Lively without intensifying the already tense situation.

The legal conflict began in December when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of ‘It Ends With Us.’ Baldoni has strongly denied these allegations and further embroiled Reynolds in the controversy by countersuing the couple for $400 million, alleging civil extortion and defamation, among other claims.

Baldoni has articulated that the lawsuit is predicated on serious allegations, which include claims of interference with contractual relations stemming from alleged pressures to alter a critical scene in the film, purportedly involving Reynolds and Taylor Swift.

In his countersuit, Baldoni referenced a meeting at the New York City penthouse of Reynolds and Lively, claiming both the actor and Swift had attended. He even included text messages suggesting that Lively had a conversation about Reynolds and Swift, whom she referred to as “my dragons,” while she identified herself with the character Khaleesi from ‘Game of Thrones.’

Despite the ongoing legal strife, both Reynolds and Lively have consistently denied Baldoni’s accusations and the surrounding allegations.

Taylor Swift, a close friend and godmother to Lively and Reynolds’ children, was recently subpoenaed in connection with the case, which has reportedly strained her friendship with Lively.

Sources have indicated that their friendship has cooled, as Swift is distancing herself from the proceedings to avoid being embroiled in the controversy.

In response to the subpoena, a representative for Swift clarified her position, stating, “Taylor Swift never set foot on the set of this movie, she was not involved in any casting or creative decisions, she did not score the film, she never saw an edit or made any notes on the film.”

The ongoing trial between Lively and Baldoni has been set for March 2026, with both sides preparing to navigate the complexities of this high-profile legal battle.

As McElhenney and Olson continue to provide steadfast support, the bonds of friendship remain crucial as they navigate this tumultuous period alongside Reynolds and Lively.

image source from:https://nypost.com/2025/05/21/entertainment/rob-mcelhenney-on-ryan-reynolds-difficult-justin-baldoni-legal-battle/

Charlotte Hayes