Blake Lively Delivers Powerful Speech at TIME100 Gala, Hints at Justin Baldoni Legal Drama and Honors Her Mother’s Harrowing Past
Blake Lively made a bold and emotional appearance at the 2025 TIME100 Gala in New York City on April
Blake Lively made a bold and emotional appearance at the 2025 TIME100 Gala in New York City on April 24, where she was celebrated as one of TIME magazine’s most influential figures of the year. Accompanied by her husband Ryan Reynolds, the actress took to the stage to deliver a six-minute speech that touched on resilience, womanhood, and her journey through recent challenges.
A Night of Recognition and Reflection
Speaking at Lincoln Center’s Jazz venue, Lively described being honored by TIME as “surreal and deeply significant,” especially during an era where “outrage often overshadows optimism.” She used the opportunity not to detail her own legal battle, but to address broader themes of strength, survival, and the unspoken struggles women face.
“I have so much to say about the last two years of my life, but tonight is not the forum,” Lively said, clearly referencing her ongoing legal conflict with actor-director Justin Baldoni.”
Instead, she redirected attention to her role as a woman with a voice, acknowledging the quiet strength that comes from being heard and believing others.
A Tribute to Her Mother’s Survival Story
In one of the most moving moments of the evening, Lively honored her mother, Willie Elaine McAlpin, whom she described as the “survivor of the worst crime a woman can experience.” She revealed that years before she was born, her mother was violently attacked by a colleague and never received justice.
Lively shared how her mother found strength through hearing another woman’s story on the radio—someone who had escaped a similar situation. That stranger’s voice gave her mother the courage to survive.
“She was saved by a woman whose name she’ll never know,” said Lively, underscoring the quiet power of women helping women, even anonymously.”
Subtle Nod to the Justin Baldoni Lawsuit
While she didn’t directly mention the lawsuit, Lively’s reference to the “last two years” aligns with the timeline of her legal dispute with Justin Baldoni. In late 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni and his production company, alleging harassment and defamation related to their work on It Ends With Us. Baldoni has denied the allegations and filed a countersuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist for $400 million, citing civil extortion and defamation.
The high-profile case is set to go to trial in March 2026.
Speaking Truths About Womanhood
Lively used the remainder of her speech to discuss the silent burdens women carry and how society often fails to keep them safe, from the workplace to the internet.
“We don’t let our daughters know, but one day we break their hearts by revealing that they are not and may never be safe, in any space they inhabit,” she said with conviction.”
She described womanhood as a “sacred pact” where survival lessons are passed down privately, adding, “Never underestimate a woman’s ability to endure pain.”
A Heartfelt Closing
Ending her speech, Lively thanked her husband and “every man who chooses to do good when no one is watching.” She also extended her gratitude to communities of all backgrounds fighting for safety and justice.
