Criticism of Netflix Comedy Roast for Inappropriate Joke About Blake Lively’s Name

Hannah Berner, a former cast member of the show Summer House, playfully poked fun at the recent commotion involving actress Blake Lively during a Netflix comedy special called Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year.

In her stand-up performance in the special that premiered on Friday, December 27, the 33-year-old Berner humorously commented, “The word c— was trending this year. I don’t think Blake Lively was that bad.”

Berner has since responded to online backlash about the joke.

Berner clarified on her Instagram Story on the same day as the special’s release, “My joke in the Netflix roast was filmed before news of the lawsuit. To be 100 percent clear, I support Blake xoxo.”

Earlier in the year, Lively, 37, played Lily Bloom in It Ends With Us, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s hit novel. Directed by Justin Baldoni, the movie featured Baldoni, 40, as Lily’s abusive husband, Ryle.

While promoting the film, rumors emerged about tension between Baldoni and Lively. An insider previously told Us Weekly that there were “two camps” during production.

“This creative struggle set the tone for the negative experience behind the scenes and grew into them not speaking anymore,” the source revealed.

At the time, social media buzzed with speculation about a feud, with many criticizing Lively. Berner’s joke seemed to reference the online chatter rather than the lawsuit Lively filed earlier this month. In the December 20 filing, Lively accused Baldoni of causing her “severe emotional distress” during production and fostering a “hostile work environment.” She also alleged sexual harassment and claimed Baldoni orchestrated a “social manipulation” campaign to damage her career and reputation.

Baldoni, however, denied the allegations. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, described the claims as “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious,” alleging that the legal action was intended to “fix her negative reputation” and revisit grievances about the production.

Freedman further alleged that Lively made “multiple demands and threats” during filming, including refusing to appear on set or promote the film unless her demands were met, which reportedly contributed to the film’s struggles upon release.

As an executive producer on the project, Lively responded to Freedman’s claims with a strong statement:

“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,” she said.

Lively has received support from her family, including her sister Robyn and brother-in-law Bart Johnson, as well as colleagues from It Ends With Us. Author Hoover, 45, along with actors Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate, have publicly voiced their support for Lively.