Chelsea Handler Delivers Hilarious Roast of Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and Ariana Grande’s ‘Munchkin’ Boyfriend at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards

At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, Chelsea Handler stood on stage, microphone in hand, ready to deliver a monologue that would leave the audience in stitches. Taking aim at Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s ongoing legal saga, Handler opened with a sentiment that resonated with many in attendance. The world of entertainment often feels tumultuous, with headlines filled with political chaos, celebrity scandals, and the daily grind of reality. Handler recognized this atmosphere and deftly turned the spotlight onto Baldoni and Lively, offering a much-needed distraction from the dismal news cycle. As she quipped about their never-ending feud, the audience couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. In a world where uncertainties loom large, Handler’s comedic approach reminded everyone that sometimes, humor is the best remedy.

A Legal Battle in the Spotlight

The saga between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has captivated the public’s attention since it began in December 2024. With Lively accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment during their film “It Ends With Us,” the narrative swiftly escalated into a heated legal battle that took many by surprise. The Gossip Girl star filed her claims, citing emotional distress linked to their work. However, Baldoni, not one to back down, countersued her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation. Handler used this ongoing drama as a comedic backdrop, highlighting the sensational nature of such celebrity conflicts. The juxtaposition of legal documents with red carpet glitz invited laughter, and many in the audience found themselves compelled to join in the gaiety.

The Role of Humor in Addressing Serious Issues

For Handler, humor serves as a vital tool when addressing serious issues within the entertainment industry. With celebrities often residing in an insulated bubble, it can be easy to lose perspective. When she remarked, “Thank you for providing us with that distraction,” it was more than just a comedic line; it was a reminder of the folly of taking oneself too seriously. Handler’s wit can provide both entertainment and a subtle critique of today’s celebrity culture. The difficult realities faced by actors and the public scrutiny they endure became fodder for laughter, breaking down walls and inviting the audience into a shared experience.

Ariana Grande’s Love Life Under Fire

Handler didn’t stop with Baldoni and Lively. She also directed her comedic spotlight on Ariana Grande and her newer romance with Ethan Slater. Debuting the punchline, Handler cheerfully teased about Grande’s relationship, painting a whimsical picture of a fairy tale gone awry. “It is so nice to see some of our most beloved child stars all grown up and thriving,” she began, teasing the audience with the celebrity nostalgia factor. She followed up with jokes about Grande finding love with a ‘munchkin,’ a quip that, while humorous, also hinted at society’s often unreasonable judgments regarding appearances and relationships.

The Backlash of Public Opinion

Public reaction to Handler’s comments about Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater was mixed. Many fans find humor at the core of Handler’s personality and were quick to support her lighthearted jabs. Others, however, noted that such jokes can sometimes highlight uncomfortable realities about celebrity relationships, especially as Slater’s divorce timeline has been scrutinized since he started dating Grande. The fine line between comedy and sensitivity can often blur, leading to discomfort is some audience members. Yet Handler deftly navigated through this maze, ensuring her humor engaged without crossing too far into the realm of offense. After all, there’s always an element of comedy in truth, albeit exaggerated.

The Shift in Celebrity Culture

Handler’s roast serves as a microcosm of how celebrity culture is evolving amid social media and a 24/7 news cycle. With public figures often sharing their lives online, the traditional celebrity narrative is transforming. No longer is it solely about the film releases or success stories; today’s narrative includes legal issues, relationships, and the ensuing public discourse that follows. Celebrities are now storytellers as much as they are entertainers. Handler, in her acerbic and comedic style, reflects that shift—suggesting that there is no longer space for the untouchable celebrity but instead, there is intrigue in their flaws and controversies.

Public Relations through Comedy

Handler’s comedic approach also touches upon a broader theme in public relations. The way celebrities manage their brands in the public eye can often rely on humor to win favor amid controversy. Handler’s jokes carry an element of truth that can soften the edges of tabloid fodder, turning potential PR disasters into shareable moments. This ability to navigate controversies with grace can endear celebrities to the public once more. Grande, despite the recent scrutiny surrounding her romance, can still win fans with her authentic personas, something Handler highlighted during her roast.

The Importance of Finding Laughter

As Handler wrapped up her monologue, the spotlight remained on the power of laughter amidst chaos. In today’s unpredictable times, from political tensions to personal disputes, laughter becomes a unifying force. Handler’s ability to create humor from the latest celebrity dramas reminds us all that there’s something cathartic about laughter. In an audience filled with familiar faces from Hollywood, Handler’s jabs were not just entertainment; they were a reminder that all of us, whether on-screen or off-screen, could use a good laugh. Amid the legal battles, dating dramas, and Hollywood production pressures, Handler shines a light on humor’s role in humanizing celebrity culture, showing that they, too, have their missteps and moments of hilarity.

The Role of the Audience

The audience’s reaction to Handler’s performance underlines the engagement factor at events like the Critics Choice Awards. Laughter is contagious, and Handler’s charisma set the tone for the entire evening. In a sense, the audience became part of a collective experience—a shared laughter over the absurdities of Hollywood. The room was filled with anticipation, and Handler’s quips were on point, encouraging a spirited back-and-forth between the host and attendees. This interconnectedness fostered an environment where humor and celebrity gossip combined seamlessly, creating a memorable experience marked by laughter and camaraderie.

The Ever-Changing Landscape of Celebrity Feuds

The current landscape of celebrity feuds often feels like an ongoing drama filled with twists and turns. Handler’s roast gave insight into this volatile dynamic, especially when addressing the complex relationship between Baldoni, Lively, and their respective legal allegations. The audience was drawn into the spectacle of their fraught relationship. These feuds reveal a broader narrative about trust, betrayal, and the constant scrutiny celebrities face. Handler’s comedic choices encourage reflection on how public perception of such conflicts can shift and change, often influenced by the media and fan reactions.

Understanding the Echo Chamber of Celebrity Gossip

The phenomenon of celebrity gossip operates like an echo chamber, where each rumor and revelation reverberate throughout social media platforms, perpetuating the cycle of drama. Handler’s humor amplifies these reflections, showing how every interaction within the public eye can spiral out of control. The jokes about Lively and Baldoni’s legal battles become part of a larger conversation about ethics, relationships, and media representation. The interplay of humor and gossip serves to analyze the very fabric of fame itself, creating a space for inevitable speculation.