Ryan Reynolds is reportedly scrambling to save his image as his wife, Blake Lively, continues to engage in a heated legal battle with Justin Baldoni.

The controversy stems from allegations that Baldoni 𝓈ℯ𝓍ually harassed Lively and fostered a toxic work environment during the filming of “It Ends with Us.” The situation has escalated into a public feud, with lawsuits flying from both sides.

In a recent development, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively requested a gag order against Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, alleging that Freedman had launched a “harassing and retaliatory media campaign” against them.

Ryan Reynolds Is Allegedly In Damage Control Mode

Now, insiders are suggesting that Reynolds played a pivotal role in pushing for the gag order in an effort to protect not only his reputation and professional endeavors but also his wife’s well-being.

“Ryan was a driving force in requesting a gag order for Justin’s attorney,” a source told Daily Mail. “Ryan’s production company, Maximum Effort Productions, has several projects in the works, and he’d be devastated if this legal drama disrupted his colleagues or employees.”

The source further revealed that Reynolds’ concerns extended beyond his own career.

Ryan Reynolds And Blake Lively Ask For A Protective Order

Lively’s portrayal of Lily Bloom in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel was intended to be a major career comeback after her hiatus to raise their four children: daughters James, Betty, and Inez, and son Olin.

“Ryan isn’t solely focused on his own career,” the insider continued. “He is also deeply concerned for Blake’s well-being. This entire ordeal has taken a toll on both of them, and the uncertainty surrounding the case is unsettling.”

Court documents filed on Tuesday reveal that Reynolds and Lively have asked for a protective order to prevent Freedman from engaging in “improper conduct” against them. According to TMZ, the couple claims Freedman is violating court rules prohibiting statements to the press that could prejudice a jury. They cite the release of unedited footage of a dance scene between Lively and Baldoni—footage Lively has described as evidence of Baldoni’s alleged harassment.

However, critics of the gag order request have been vocal. Another source told Daily Mail that the request was “absurd” and unlikely to succeed. “It’s laughable to think Baldoni or Freedman would be silenced from discussing a case they are directly involved in. Everyone has a right to defend themselves.”

Blake Lively Files A Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni

This legal battle has been brewing since August, with rumors of tension between Lively and Baldoni surfacing around the premiere of “It Ends with Us.”

Fans noted the lack of joint interviews and the apparent distance between the co-stars on the red carpet. The situation erupted in December when Lively filed her 𝓈ℯ𝓍ual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni. The New York Times subsequently published a report, based on her legal filings, accusing Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign against her.

Baldoni responded with his own lawsuits, including a defamation claim against the New York Times and a $400 million countersuit against Lively and Reynolds. In his countersuit, Baldoni accused the couple of conspiring to ruin his reputation and alleged that Lively had commandeered the filming process. Baldoni also claimed he and his family were relegated to a basement holding area during the film’s premiere to avoid any interaction with Lively.

Reynolds was not spared in the countersuit, with Baldoni accusing him of verbally berating him during a meeting at the couple’s New York penthouse. Reynolds allegedly attended the meeting as his wife’s “representative” to address Baldoni’s alleged conduct.

Leaked Footage Gives More Insight Into ‘It Ends With Us’ Filming

This latest development arises as leaked behind-the-scenes footage from the set of “It Ends with Us” intensifies the ongoing legal dispute between the film’s star, Lively, and her director and co-star, Baldoni. The video, showcasing what appears to be a harmless slow-dance scene, has become a central point in their feud, with both sides using it to bolster their conflicting arguments.

The leaked footage, recorded in May 2023, reveals three takes of a key scene from the movie. The scene depicts Lively and Baldoni’s characters, Lily and Ryle, slow dancing in a bar, described in the script as being “completely in their own world.” Baldoni’s team argues that the video highlights a professional atmosphere on set and disputes the credibility of Lively’s claims.

Intimacy Coordinator Weighs In On The Legal Drama

Following the video’s viral spread, Mia Schachter, an experienced intimacy coordinator who has worked on projects such as Apple TV+’s “Lessons in Chemistry,” HBO’s “Insecure,” and FX’s “American Crime Story,” has shared her perspective on the clip featuring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

“I can just see her trying to stay lighthearted and in good spirits about it and not upset him or anybody, and not waste anybody’s time,” she told THR. “But of course, she is trapped between a rock and a hard place. I can see her appeasing him and trying to keep a smile on her face.”

As the legal battle unfolds, both sides remain steadfast in their respective narratives.