Hannah Berner clarifies Blake Lively joke amid backlash over Netflix comedy special

Comedian Hannah Berner has addressed the controversy surrounding her joke about actress Blake Lively, made during Netflix’s Torching 2024: A Roast of a Year. The special, featuring comedians Jeff Ross and Tim Dillon, included Berner’s commentary on several celebrities, but her quip about Lively attracted widespread criticism. The joke coincided with Lively’s ongoing legal battle against co-star Justin Baldoni, leading many to interpret it as insensitive.

Berner’s joke referenced a trending term, lightly poking fun at Lively. However, the timing of the joke, amid Lively’s lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and a smear campaign, sparked backlash. Baldoni and his attorney, Bryan Freedman, have called the allegations “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.”

Criticism quickly mounted online, with some fans of Berner’s Giggle Squad podcast expressing disappointment. One Instagram user commented, “Why do you have to be so mean and crass to other women? It’s giving ‘pick me’ energy.”

In response, Berner clarified on social media that her joke was filmed before news of the lawsuit broke. “To be 100 percent clear, I support Blake xoxo,” she stated, emphasizing her respect for Lively and denying any intent to exploit the situation.

Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni alleges disruptions to their film It Ends With Us due to his alleged behavior, while Baldoni has countersued, accusing Lively of damaging his reputation. The ongoing legal drama adds weight to the backlash Berner faced, as many saw her joke as poorly timed.

This incident underscores the challenges comedians face in addressing high-profile figures entangled in personal and legal controversies, highlighting the fine line between humor and sensitivity.