Ryan Reynolds Faces Backlash After ‘Condescending’ Red Carpet Exchange With Child Reporter

Ryan Reynolds is facing criticism after a red carpet moment with a child reporter went viral online. The exchange happened at the Toronto International Film Festival and was shared widely on social media, where many viewers said the actor came off as condescending rather than funny.

According to clips circulating on X, TikTok, and Instagram, Reynolds was stopped by a young reporter named Liam while walking the red carpet. As the child began his introduction, Reynolds cut in and said, Hi, what’s the question? When Liam politely responded with, Hi Ryan, nice to meet you, the actor smiled and replied, Nice to meet you too, let’s skip to the question.

Although Reynolds laughed as he spoke, the moment felt awkward to many watching. Several people online said the joke landed poorly, especially given that the interviewer was a child. The situation quickly sparked debate, with viewers questioning whether Reynolds was being playful or dismissive.

Liam eventually asked a lighthearted question about Reynolds’ Tim Hortons breakfast and why it had so much Chipotle mayo on it. Reynolds answered in a joking tone, saying, You know what I wish I had some control over that, I can send a strongly worded letter to the chef. Consider it done young man. He then followed up by asking the child’s name and added, I’ll make it downright vicious, but I’ll say it’s from you though.

While Reynolds kept smiling throughout the exchange, reactions online were mixed. Many users felt the humor was forced and unnecessary. One person wrote, That poor kid, way to ruin someone’s confidence. Another commented, Not a kind manner at all with this child. He’s lucky he wanted to interview him. Others accused the actor of trying too hard to be sarcastic, with one critic saying, Hey, Ryan. Not everything can be turned into a joke.

There is nothing funny about this. Kids do not understand these types of “jokes” where the person is being rude to them. It’s called being mean 🤬 #ryanreynolds pic.twitter.com/aIYYDzllnq

— TV & Movie Addict 🍿🦋 (@TVMovieAddict) September 5, 2025

The moment gained even more attention because Reynolds has already been in the spotlight recently. He has been dealing with increased public scrutiny due to his wife Blake Lively’s legal dispute with filmmaker Justin Baldoni. Around the same time as the festival, unsealed private text messages involving Reynolds and Lively were reported on by multiple media outlets, adding to the online chatter around the actor.

Despite the backlash, Reynolds continues to stay busy. He has several big projects lined up, including the film Animal Friends with Jason Momoa and Aubrey Plaza. He is also deeply involved with Wrexham AFC, the football club he co-owns, which recently made headlines for a record-breaking transfer. At TIFF, Reynolds was promoting a documentary he is producing about John Candy, titled John Candy: I Like Me.

Whether the moment was meant as harmless banter or reflected a bigger issue with Reynolds’ public persona is still being debated online. As the clip continues to circulate, fans remain split on whether the joke crossed a line or was simply misunderstood.

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