Nikki Glaser, the host of the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, has publicly stated her intention to avoid mentioning the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni during the ceremony. This high-profile case stems from Lively’s lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during the filming of their 2024 movie, “It Ends With Us.” Glaser acknowledges the sensitive nature of the situation and her desire to avoid inadvertently appearing to take sides. She further expresses her reluctance to amplify Baldoni’s name, emphasizing her discomfort even knowing it. This deliberate omission reflects a broader strategy Glaser is employing for the awards ceremony, opting for a more cautious approach to humor, particularly regarding jokes about controversial figures.
The Lively-Baldoni case has become a focal point in Hollywood, sparking renewed discussions about misconduct within the entertainment industry. Lively’s lawsuit details allegations of sexual harassment, emotional distress, and a calculated campaign by Baldoni to damage her reputation. She asserts that her legal action aims to expose retaliatory tactics often employed against those who speak out about misconduct and to protect others from similar experiences. Baldoni, however, vehemently denies these accusations. He has countered with a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, citing libel and false light invasion of privacy, and reportedly plans to file a separate suit against Lively. His lawyer maintains their intent to release all text messages between the two parties, urging the public to form their own conclusions based on the evidence.
The fallout from this legal conflict has rippled through Hollywood, prompting several other actors, including Kate Beckinsale and Abigail Breslin, to share their own accounts of alleged misconduct. This wave of revelations underscores the ongoing struggle within the industry to address issues of harassment and power imbalance. While Glaser acknowledges the importance of these conversations, she has chosen not to incorporate them into her Golden Globes monologue. This decision likely stems from her desire to maintain a light and celebratory atmosphere during the awards ceremony, as well as to avoid potentially alienating viewers or attendees.
Instead of delving into controversial topics, Glaser plans to focus on encouraging celebrities to embrace humor, even when directed at themselves. She believes that laughing at oneself can create a positive impression on the audience, projecting an image of approachability and good humor. Glaser even shared a joke she considered for the monologue, advising celebrities to simply laugh when the camera is on them, as it makes them appear more likable. This lighthearted approach contrasts with the more serious tone surrounding the Lively-Baldoni case, indicating Glaser’s preference for fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere at the awards show.
Glaser’s decision to steer clear of the Lively-Baldoni controversy underscores the delicate balance comedians often face when navigating sensitive topics in a public forum. While her choice reflects a cautious approach, it also highlights the potential pitfalls of addressing complex and emotionally charged issues in a setting primarily intended for entertainment. The ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of misconduct allegations within Hollywood and the challenges faced by individuals who come forward with their stories. Glaser’s avoidance of the topic suggests a conscious decision to prioritize a more harmonious and celebratory atmosphere for the Golden Globes, recognizing the potential for her words to be misinterpreted or to detract from the event’s intended purpose.
The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards will air live on Sunday, January 5, 2025, on CBS at 8 p.m. ET and will also be streamed on Paramount+. While the Lively-Baldoni controversy will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of discussion within the industry and beyond, Glaser’s deliberate omission of the subject from her hosting duties underscores the complexities of navigating sensitive issues within the entertainment world. Her decision to focus on lighter fare and encourage celebrities to embrace self-deprecating humor suggests a desire to create a positive and inclusive experience for viewers and attendees alike. This approach underscores the challenges comedians face in balancing humor with social responsibility, particularly when addressing controversial topics with the potential to overshadow the celebratory nature of an awards ceremony.
