Blake Lively's legal battle with Justin Baldoni forces couple to skip Golden Globes

In January 2025, the Golden Globes were held at the Beverly Hills Hilton, showcasing numerous celebrities and their achievements in film and television. Dwayne Johnson, known for his role in the Fast & Furious franchise, attended the awards ceremony, where Vin Diesel, his co-star, presented an award. Despite their reported attempts to reconcile a long-standing feud that began in 2016, they displayed palpable tension during the event. As Diesel acknowledged Johnson with a wave and comments from the stage, the atmosphere quickly turned awkward. Johnson flashed a brief smile but soon appeared icy, while the audience laughed at the discomfort. This complex relationship recently indicated signs of mending, as Johnson had stated on social media that they had put the past behind them and would focus on the franchise and its fans moving forward. Nevertheless, social media users immediately reacted to the evident awkwardness, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two actors. In another segment of the Golden Globes, Selena Gomez received acclaim for her gracious reaction after losing to her co-star Zoe Saldaña for Best Supporting Actress. Gomez, who was nominated for her performance in "Emilia Pérez," was visibly ecstatic for Saldaña, jumping and applauding when her co-star won. This positive response contrasted with the drama surrounding the earlier interactions between Johnson and Diesel, which were heavily noted on social media platforms. Observers were taken by Gomez's enthusiasm, elevating her response to a viral moment during the event. The Golden Globes also featured notable absences, particularly Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who opted out due to ongoing legal issues involving Lively and her co-star Justin Baldoni. The couple's decision not to attend was reported in the wake of Lively suing Baldoni for allegations of sexual harassment and for purportedly initiating a smear campaign against her. Amidst this legal battle, the atmospheres at the Globes varied widely, from celebratory moments to the underlying tension that remained palpable between certain actors. This year's Golden Globes illustrated the complex relationships that often exist behind the scenes of show business, where professional rivalries, personal conflicts, and public spectacles intertwine to create a multifaceted event that captures the attention of audiences and social media alike. Although the event is meant to celebrate achievements in cinema and television, it can also highlight unresolved issues and tensions that may linger, impacting not only the individuals involved but also shaping the narratives spun by the media and fans alike.