TV host Chelsea Handler “thanked” actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni at Friday night’s Critics Choice Awards during her opening monologue. The comedian said that people in Los Angeles and across the country had been “through a lot lately”, and that it was important in such times to have a “distraction”. Handler’s remarks were met with laughter by the audience but on social media she was criticised for “trivialising” the feud. Lively, 37, sued Baldoni, 41, in December, accusing him of sexual harassment and a smear campaign. Baldoni is counter-suing Lively and her husband, the actor Ryan Reynolds, on claims of civil extortion, defamation and invasion of privacy. Baldoni is also suing the New York Times for libel. Both parties strongly deny the claims. Handler began the ceremony, which was held in Santa Monica, by praising the first responders who had tackled the recent deadly wildfires in LA. She then extended her gratitude to Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, saying they provided a distraction from the recent events. The monologue was well-received by the audience but received criticism on social media.
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