Blake Lively Brings the Power (and Ryan Reynolds) to the 2025 TIME100 Gala
Blake Lively didn't just show up to the 2025 TIME100 Gala — she owned it.
Walking hand-in-hand with husband Ryan Reynolds, Blake made a glamorous entrance at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. The Gossip Girl alum stunned in a scarlet gown with an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline and flowing train, serving classic Blake on the red carpet: timeless, radiant, and totally unbothered.
Inside, the vibe shifted from Hollywood glam to heartfelt honesty. During her emotional speech, Lively opened up about her mother’s survival story — sharing, for the first time, that her mom endured a violent attack years before Blake was born. “I've watched her conceal her raw and undeserved shame my entire life," Blake said, holding her mother's hand from the stage. "As her daughter, being asked to share this today is monumental."
Scoop Hunter | @nycpap
Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni: The Hollywood Feud That Won’t Quit
What started as a buzzy book-to-film adaptation has spiraled into one of Hollywood’s messiest legal dramas.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, co-stars of It Ends With Us, are now locked in a high-stakes battle involving sexual harassment claims, defamation suits, and even potential subpoenas for Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman. Here’s the tea:
🎬 From Romance to Resentment
The 2024 release of It Ends With Us was a box office hit, but behind the scenes, tensions between Lively and Baldoni were simmering. Reports suggest that Lively sought more creative control, leading to clashes with Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the film. A crew member alleged that Lively tried to "take advantage" of Baldoni's kindness to gain more influence over the project.
⚖️ Legal Drama Unfolds
In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. She claimed that Baldoni and his team created a hostile work environment and retaliated against her for reporting misconduct. Baldoni denied the allegations and countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist for $400 million, alleging defamation and civil extortion.
The legal battle intensified when it was revealed that Lively had filed a covert lawsuit months earlier to obtain incriminating messages from Baldoni's former PR firm, which allegedly showed a coordinated effort to discredit her.
🌟 Celebrities Caught in the Crossfire
The feud has drawn in other celebrities, with reports suggesting that Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman may be subpoenaed due to their close relationships with Lively and Reynolds. Swift, who contributed to the film's soundtrack, and Jackman, a friend of Reynolds, are said to have been involved in discussions about the film's production.
🎤 A Powerful Speech Amid Controversy
At the TIME100 Gala on April 24, 2025, Lively delivered an impassioned speech highlighting women's resilience and the importance of using one's voice. While she didn't directly mention the legal battle, she alluded to the ongoing turmoil and emphasized the need for societal recognition of women's right to safety.
Her husband, Ryan Reynolds, showed his support, sharing a tender moment with Lively before her speech.
🫨 Public Backlash and Support
Not everyone is siding with Lively. Political commentator Megyn Kelly criticized Lively's inclusion in the TIME100 list, calling it a "ridiculous joke" and accusing her of making baseless allegations against Baldoni.
However, Lively has received support from various quarters, including her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars and civil rights leader Sherrilyn Ifill, who praised her advocacy for women's rights.
Public Visionary
