What did Hannah Berner say about Blake Lively? Exploring controversial stand-up routine in the wake of allegations against Justin Baldoni

Comedian Hannah Berner has come under scrutiny for a joke about actor Blake Lively in her Netflix special, Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year, released on December 27, 2024. In her stand-up routine, Berner remarked:

"The word c— was trending this year. I don’t think Blake Lively was that bad."

This comment coincided with Lively's recent legal action against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. On December 20, 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit alleging that Baldoni subjected her to s*xual harassment and orchestrated a smear campaign to tarnish her reputation.

The lawsuit details claims of inappropriate behavior by Baldoni during filming, including unwanted advances and discussions of explicit content, which Lively asserts created a hostile work environment. Additionally, she alleges that Baldoni's PR team engaged in efforts to undermine her public image by disseminating negative narratives about her.

Berner's joke on Lively was recorded before the public revelation of Lively's lawsuit. In response to backlash over the timing of her comment, Berner clarified via her Instagram story on December 27, stating:

"My joke in the Netflix roast was filmed before news of the lawsuit. To be 100 percent clear, I support Blake xoxo."

Hannah Berner clarified the Netlfix roast joke about Lively was filmed before the lawsuit. (Image via @hannahberner/Instagram)

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Hannah Berner's Netflix roast amid Blake Lively's legal controversy

In her complaint, Blake Lively alleges that Justin Baldoni's actions caused her "severe emotional distress" and that his team's purported smear campaign was designed to "destroy" her career and reputation, as per the reports by The Cut.

Furthermore, Blake Lively claims that Baldoni's PR team engaged in a coordinated effort to damage her public image by planting negative stories and manipulating social media narratives.

Justin Baldoni, through his attorney Bryan Freedman, has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as "completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious." Freedman contends that Lively's legal action is an attempt to "fix her negative reputation" and "rehash a narrative" regarding the film's production.

He further alleges that Blake made "multiple demands and threats" during filming, which he claims contributed to a negative atmosphere on set.

The situation has elicited reactions from various quarters, with some industry colleagues expressing support for Blake Lively. For instance, actress Kaitlin Olson publicly backed Lively, commending her honesty and bravery in coming forward with her allegations. Additionally, Bart Johnson, Lively's brother-in-law, criticized Baldoni on social media, labeling him a "fraud" and accusing him of hypocrisy, as reported by Entertainment Weekly on December 26, 2025.

Her co-stars from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, including America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with Lively. They commended her courage in standing up for a safe working environment and condemned the alleged efforts to discredit her.

Additionally, author Colleen Hoover, whose novel It Ends With Us was adapted into the film, voiced her support for Lively. Hoover praised Lively's honesty and kindness, stating:

"Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt."

The situation has also led to professional repercussions for Baldoni. He was reportedly dropped by his talent agency within hours of Blake Lively's complaint becoming public. Furthermore, his podcast co-host, Liz Plank, announced her departure from their collaborative project.