Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds may appear to be the epitome of a perfect Hollywood couple, with their adorable public displays of affection and the image of mutual career support. However, their seemingly flawless relationship is overshadowed by a messy history that involves rumors of infidelity, betrayal, and a love triangle that many still can’t forget. In particular, Blake Lively’s romantic involvement with Ryan Reynolds has raised eyebrows, especially given the timing of their relationship and the fallout it had on his previous marriage to actress Scarlett Johansson.

While Blake and Ryan’s romance seems idyllic today, it started under less-than-ideal circumstances. Back in 2010, while Blake was still dating her Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgley, Ryan Reynolds was married to Scarlett Johansson. So, how did Blake and Ryan go from co-stars to a married couple? And what role did Blake play in the demise of Ryan and Scarlett’s marriage? Let’s dive into the complicated and, at times, controversial timeline of Blake Lively’s messy dating history and how she allegedly “stole” Ryan Reynolds from Scarlett Johansson.

Blake and Ryan: A Timeline of Secrets and Scandal

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds met in 2010 while filming Green Lantern, a superhero film in which they played romantic partners. However, at the time, Ryan was still married to Scarlett Johansson, and Blake was in a relationship with Penn Badgley. The pair initially kept their relationship under wraps, with sources later revealing that their bond started to grow during filming, although neither officially admitted to being more than friends until much later.

The real drama began after Blake and Penn broke up in October 2010. Just two months later, Ryan and Scarlett also announced their split, finalizing their divorce in December 2010. The timeline of their respective breakups has led to widespread speculation that Blake and Ryan’s relationship began while they were still with their exes.

Reports from industry insiders suggest that Ryan and Blake’s connection was more than just friendly during filming. A tweet from journalist Cat Marau claimed that she had been told by a beauty editor that Blake and Ryan had an affair while Ryan was still married to Scarlett and Blake was still with Penn. Though the tweet was quickly deleted after legal action was reportedly taken by Ryan and Blake’s teams, the rumors of infidelity wouldn’t go away.

Scarlett Johansson’s Heartbreak: Did Blake Steal Her Husband?

When Scarlett Johansson learned of Ryan’s relationship with Blake, she was reportedly devastated. Sources close to Scarlett claimed that she felt deeply betrayed, believing that Blake had intentionally seduced Ryan while knowing that he was still married. The public’s reaction to the scandal was mixed, with many fans siding with Scarlett, arguing that Blake’s actions were questionable, especially considering the timeline of their relationships.

In the years that followed, Scarlett has remained relatively quiet on the matter, but those close to her have suggested that she never fully recovered from the emotional impact of her divorce from Ryan. Fans of Scarlett have also pointed out that Blake’s relationship with Ryan seems to have blossomed at a time when she should have been more considerate of Scarlett’s feelings.

Interestingly, Ryan Reynolds has rarely spoken about the specifics of his marriage to Scarlett, nor has he publicly addressed the allegations surrounding his relationship with Blake. However, one thing is clear — the timeline of events surrounding their initial connection has caused many to believe that Blake played a pivotal role in the end of Ryan and Scarlett’s marriage.

The Double Date: A PR-Approved Story?

Blake and Ryan have both gone on record saying that they didn’t start dating until after they were both single. In fact, Ryan even described an awkward double date they went on in 2011 when they were both seeing other people. According to Ryan, the date was uncomfortable because of the undeniable chemistry between him and Blake, though they still hadn’t officially become a couple at that time.

“I think we were both dating other people at the time, but we went on a double date together, and it was incredibly awkward,” Ryan said in an interview. “The chemistry was just so strong that it was impossible to ignore. But it wasn’t until later that we both realized we were more than just friends.”

While this may sound like a charming Hollywood meet-cute, some critics believe that this story is simply a well-crafted PR narrative to cover up the timing of their initial connection. It’s not uncommon for celebrities to spin certain events to protect their image or downplay the more controversial aspects of their personal lives. Given how much the public scrutinizes celebrity relationships, it’s hard to ignore the possibility that this “double date” story was designed to soften the impact of their affair rumors.

The Wedding That Sparked Controversy

By 2012, Blake and Ryan were a full-fledged couple, and they shocked fans by tying the knot in a secret ceremony in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. While their wedding was small and intimate, it wasn’t without controversy. The couple chose to marry at Boon Hall Plantation, a former slave plantation, which sparked immediate backlash. The plantation’s dark history of slavery and forced labor left many people appalled by the venue choice, especially in light of the cultural conversations about race and history at the time.

Ryan Reynolds himself later admitted that the decision to hold their wedding at Boon Hall was a “giant mistake,” acknowledging that it was a thoughtless choice. “We didn’t fully understand the gravity of the history behind that place,” Ryan said. “It was a terrible mistake, and we regret it. It doesn’t excuse it, but we are truly sorry.”

Their wedding venue choice, while ultimately an honest mistake, added to the pile of controversies surrounding their relationship, and it further fueled the perception that Blake and Ryan were prone to making missteps in public perception.

A Family Built Amidst the Drama

Despite the rocky beginnings of their relationship, Blake and Ryan have since built a family together. They welcomed their first daughter, James, in December 2014, followed by two more children in the years that followed. The couple has maintained a relatively low-profile family life, though they continue to be public figures with a strong presence in the media.

Ryan and Blake’s love story is often seen as a fairytale by many of their fans. But as we look back on the early days of their relationship, it’s clear that their path to love was filled with scandal, controversy, and drama. Whether or not Blake “stole” Ryan from Scarlett Johansson is a question that still lingers in the minds of many. And while the couple’s happy ending may have come after years of public scrutiny, it’s hard to ignore the mess that their relationship left behind.

The Fallout and Public Perception

Today, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively remain one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, often praised for their humor, wit, and seemingly perfect family life. However, their past is always there, lingering in the background. For many, the messy timeline of their relationship — including the affair rumors, the drama surrounding their marriage, and the ongoing questions about how Blake entered the picture — continues to raise doubts.

Ultimately, Blake Lively’s dating history — particularly her role in the Ryan Reynolds-Scarlett Johansson split — will always be part of her story. Whether she intentionally pursued Ryan during his marriage to Scarlett or not, the public’s view of her will likely always be colored by these events. One thing is for sure: Blake Lively’s path to love with Ryan Reynolds was anything but simple, and the drama surrounding it has left a lasting impression.