Nikki Glaser reveals why she won't mention Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni at Golden Globes
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Comedian Nikki Glaser is preparing to host the 82nd Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 5.
While planning her routines, Glaser has made it clear that she will steer clear of jokes involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Nikki Glaser says mentioning Blake Lively or Justin Baldoni could be risky
Nikki Glaser, 40, addressed Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's controversy in an interview, saying she does not want to risk appearing biased or offensive given the ongoing legal battles between the two actors.
Discussing the topic, she told Yahoo! Entertainment, "I think the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni thing is such a hot-button thing right now that even a mere mention of it will seem like I could be on the wrong side of things, even though I would never be."
Glaser added, "I also don't want to give his name any— I'm mad I even know his name, to be honest with you, so I don't need to say it anymore."
She also said she wants her performance to avoid alienating anyone.
"I'm not gonna go so hard that anyone's gonna be offended," Glaser said speaking about her hosting approach, per People.
She added, "I've made a point not to, and that's not to disappoint anyone who's hoping I'm going to pull a Ricky Gervais. I'm not Ricky Gervais. This isn't my last Golden Globes, this is my first one."
Blake Lively's harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni
Blake Lively filed a complaint in December 2024, accusing Justin Baldoni and his associates of sexual harassment on the 'It Ends With Us' movie set and launching a retaliatory smear campaign afterward.
Her claims alleged efforts to tarnish her reputation. Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman responded, calling the accusations "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt."
In response, Baldoni later filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for its December 21 article 'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine' about Lively's complaint.
A spokesperson for the publication defended the article, stating it "was meticulously and responsibly reported."
Lively has since received public support from several former costars, including Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, who starred alongside her in 'It Ends With Us'.
Nikki Glaser plans to keep the focus on honorees at Golden Globes
While further outlining her priorities as host, Nikki Glaser shared that she aims to keep the night positive.
"I’m not out for blood. I want everyone to have a good night. I am really in service of the people that are being honored there," she said.
The 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards will air live on Sunday, January 5, at 8 pm ET on CBS and will be available for streaming on Paramount+.
Meanwhile, Baldoni's lawyer has stated they "absolutely" plan to sue co-star Blake Lively, TODAY reported.
Freedman said in an exclusive interview with NBC News on January 3 that the legal action against the New York Times "will not be the last lawsuit" in his client's legal battle with Lively.
