Blake Lively received significant recognition earlier this month when she was named a “philanthropist and a student of our country’s most intractable problems” on the prestigious Time100 list. Her honor triggered immense outrage, especially since she has been in a legal dispute with actor Justin Baldoni. Sparkling actress, producer and activist Angela Bassett dazzled on April 24, 2025 at the Time100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. She invited her mom, Elaine, and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, to join in the surprise celebration.
Lively’s recognition comes amidst a tumultuous backdrop. She filed a federal lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni has categorically refuted these claims. In retaliation, he released a defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, seeking $400 million in damages. Those proceedings are still to come, with a trial currently set for March 2026.
For all her achievements, Lively was slammed on the internet for receiving recognition while being accused of some pretty awful stuff. Some social media users expressed discontent, with one remarking, “Only in Hollywood can being a liar land you on a ‘Most Influential’ list,” while another declared, “Blake Lively is not ‘influential’ – she’s a manipulative, conniving bully.”
The event even featured a video in which prominent media personality Megyn Kelly publicly shamed Lively for being honored at the gala. Kelly denounced Lively’s situation as “this ridiculous joke.” Specifically, she strongly protested that Lively deserved no awards as long as he was being accused of making up a MeToo story against Baldoni. Kelly’s remarks were pointed as she stated, “She’s lived to regret doing it because [virtually every allegation she has made] has fallen apart.”
“And so for her to be honored for doing that, to try to ruin a man over absolutely nothing, is a scandal.” – Megyn Kelly
Kelly firmly doubled down on her stance. She argued that Lively has “zero impact on anything” and shouldn’t have been invited to the gala at all. The media figure even suggested that Lively might avoid her at the event but asserted, “I won’t be avoiding anybody. I’m good.”
Civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill provided a petition of praise on Lively’s behalf. Ifill acknowledged Lively’s commitment to social justice activism. She shared her appreciation for Lively’s careful study and deep dedication before voicing her support.
“I have a feeling [Lively is] going to be avoiding me. I won’t be avoiding anybody. I’m good.” – Megyn Kelly
As the public debate continues to boil over about Blake Lively’s honor at the Time100 gala… Her ongoing legal troubles along with backlash from powerful people such as Megyn Kelly only serve to add to the controversy. The new court battle could do even more to mold public opinion against each side.
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