Hannah Berner Clears the Air: Blake Lively Joke Filmed Before Baldoni Lawsuit
NEW YORK – Comedian Hannah Berner recently addressed controversy surrounding a joke she made about Blake Lively in Netflix’s Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year. The joke, filmed on December 17, came under fire after Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni on December 20.
In the special, Berner joked, “The word ‘cunt’ was trending this year. I don’t think Blake Lively was that bad.” The timing raised concerns, especially after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and filed a legal complaint.
Berner’s Clarification Hannah Berner & Blake Lively
Berner quickly responded on Instagram, clarifying that the joke was recorded before the news of the lawsuit broke. “My joke in the Netflix roast was filmed before news of the [complaint]. To be 100 percent clear, I support Blake xoxo,” Berner wrote, emphasizing her support for Lively.
By explaining the timeline, Berner reassured her followers that the joke was not related to Lively’s legal action. She made it clear that she stands by Lively and was not commenting on the lawsuit.
Blake Lively’s Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni
Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni alleges sexual harassment and a toxic work environment on the set of It Ends With Us. She also accused Baldoni of retaliation, claiming he launched a smear campaign against her.
Lively’s legal team hopes her lawsuit will bring attention to how the industry retaliates against those who speak out about misconduct. In a statement to The New York Times, Lively called for better protection for whistleblowers.
Baldoni’s Denial of Allegations
Justin Baldoni denied Lively’s accusations. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, called the claims “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.” Baldoni has yet to comment publicly on the specifics of the lawsuit.
The Joke’s Timing and Public Reaction
Berner’s joke, though intended for comedic purposes, sparked criticism due to its timing. Lively’s legal complaint came just days after the special aired. Berner quickly clarified that she filmed her set before the lawsuit was filed and that her joke wasn’t related to the legal issues.
While the joke may have created discomfort, Berner’s clarification highlights the importance of context. Comedy can be misinterpreted, especially when it intersects with sensitive legal matters.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Timing
Hannah Berner’s clarification shows how easily humor can be misunderstood. While Berner fully supports Blake Lively, her joke’s timing raised questions. In a climate where sensitive issues dominate the headlines, timing and context are crucial in comedy. Berner’s situation is a reminder that what might seem harmless in a comedy routine can be viewed differently, depending on the circumstances.
