The 2025 TIME100 Gala in New York City was meant to celebrate influence and achievement—but it quickly became the stage for a fiery clash between honorees Megyn Kelly and Blake Lively, as Kelly publicly criticized Lively’s presence on the prestigious list amid her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni.
Kelly’s Scathing Critique: “A Ridiculous Joke”
The conservative commentator didn’t mince words when addressing Lively’s inclusion, calling it a “farce” and accusing the actress of leveraging false #MeToo allegations against Baldoni for personal gain.
“Honoring someone embroiled in a legal mess like this is a slap in the face to real survivors,” Kelly declared in an interview on the gala’s sidelines. She also took aim at Taylor Swift, Lively’s longtime friend, suggesting the pop star was quietly distancing herself from the controversy.
“Where’s Taylor? She’s been awfully silent,” Kelly prodded. “If she stands with Blake, she should say so. If not, well… that speaks volumes.”
Lively’s Grace Under Fire
Despite the public jab, Lively—who attended the gala with husband Ryan Reynolds—remained poised. In her speech, she subtly addressed the turmoil without naming names, focusing instead on women’s resilience and the power of truth.
“My mother survived a life-threatening attack, and she taught me that strength isn’t about being loud—it’s about standing firm,” Lively said, her voice steady. “And when you speak, you’d better be sure your words are worth their weight.”
The remark was widely interpreted as a veiled reference to her legal battle, reinforcing her stance while avoiding direct confrontation.
The Legal Battle: A Hollywood Showdown
The feud between Lively and Baldoni erupted in December 2024, when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing the actor-director of sexual harassment and retaliation on the set of It Ends With Us. Baldoni swiftly countersued, alleging defamation and civil extortion, turning the dispute into one of Hollywood’s messiest legal fights.
With the trial set for March 2026, insiders suggest Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman—both close friends of Lively and Reynolds—could be subpoenaed to testify, adding another layer of star power to the courtroom drama.
Why This Feud Matters
- #MeToo Under Scrutiny – Kelly’s accusations against Lively reignite debates about accountability vs. exploitation in harassment claims.
- Celebrity Loyalty Test – Will Swift publicly back Lively, or will she stay silent, as Kelly implied?
- A Litmus Test for TIME100 – Should legal controversies impact who makes the list?
Final Thought
What started as a night of celebration ended with unresolved tension—and a trial that could reshape Hollywood’s power dynamics. Whose side are you on? ⚖️ Sound off in the comments.
