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Chelsea Handler didn’t hold back in her opening monologue at the Critics Choice Awards.
Chelsea Handler hosted the Critics Choice Awards.
Comedian Chelsea Handler returned as the host for the Critics Choice Awards and didn’t hold back during her opening monologue for the prestigious ceremony. Among other comedic moments, Chelsea took a dig at the ongoing legal feud between It Ends With Us Stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.
Chelsea Handler said, “I want to acknowledge that we’ve been through a lot lately, not just here in Los Angeles, but our entire country, waking up every day not knowing what news we are going to hear that will disappoint or horrify us.”
She added, “So, it is 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. 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, can all agree to accept that there’s probably not going to be a sequel. It ends with us, guys,” she joked.
Justin Baldoni is actively defending himself in the sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by actress Blake Lively in January 2025. Recent reports suggest that Baldoni has found strong evidence that may work in his favour. The actor is allegedly presenting a text message from his It Ends With Us co-star, Isabela Ferrer, to support his claims.
He argues that Blake’s involvement in the film’s post-production influenced how the crew perceived him and that the message highlights positive aspects of his behaviour on set. In response to Lively’s allegations, Baldoni has countersued both her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for civil extortion and slander.
Baldoni’s lawsuit accuses Lively of sidelining him and taking control of the film’s post-production. He alleges that he was deliberately removed from advertising posters and that Lively’s influence led to other cast members unfollowing him on social media after she and Reynolds cut ties with him. According to Baldoni, Lively intentionally created a “trail of breadcrumbs” that suggested he had wronged her, causing others to distance themselves from him.
