May 1: Long celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most beloved bromances, the friendship between Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds is now under public scrutiny as Reynolds and wife Blake Lively become entangled in legal controversy.
Amid ongoing legal battles, fans have begun warning Jackman to distance himself from Reynolds, citing the actor’s alleged involvement in a defamation countersuit filed by It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni. Baldoni has accused Blake Lively of sexual harassment and claims she orchestrated a smear campaign against him. In response, Lively and Reynolds have been named in a countersuit, with text messages allegedly sent by Lively referring to Reynolds and Taylor Swift as her “dragons.”
All involved parties have denied the allegations, but the situation has fueled speculation online. According to the Daily Mail, both Swift and Jackman could be subpoenaed at “any time” in connection with the case.
Despite the growing controversy, Jackman appears to be standing by his friend. He recently reunited with Reynolds and Deadpool & Wolverine producer Shawn Levy at a screening of Lively’s upcoming film Another Simple Favor. Jackman posted a cheerful Instagram photo of the trio with the caption: “We 3. Simple as that.”
The post ignited a storm of online reactions, with some fans urging Jackman to cut ties with Reynolds.
“Ryan is trouble. Might wanna stay away from that side for a while,” one user commented.
“Very close to unfollowing HJ as well… very disappointing that he is co-signing this behavior,” another added.
However, many fans defended Jackman and Reynolds, calling the backlash premature and judgmental.
“Telling someone to drop their friends, when you don’t even know anyone in the situation… that’s pretty messed up,” one supporter wrote.
Despite the online noise, Jackman, Reynolds, and Lively were seen together again this week attending Jackman’s Broadway show Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Class, suggesting the trio remains publicly united as the situation unfolds.
The legal developments surrounding Reynolds and Lively continue to evolve, and whether Jackman will remain unaffected by the ripple effects remains to be seen.