Blake Lively Steals the Spotlight at the 2026 Met Gala, Hours After Justin Baldoni’s Lawsuit Settlement
Blake Lively Shines at 2026 Met Gala After Settlement in Lawsuit
Blake Lively made a striking appearance at the 2026 Met Gala in New York City, just hours after it was announced that she and actor Justin Baldoni had reached a settlement in their ongoing lawsuit, thereby avoiding trial.
Dressed in a pastel Atelier Versace gown, Lively embraced the “Costume Art” theme of the event held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4. The dress, adorned with gemstones and featuring shades of pink, yellow, coral, peach, and lilac, boasted a dramatic long train that flowed gracefully as she ascended the venue’s steps. Adding a personal touch, she paired the look with a custom Judith Leiber Couture bag, designed with vibrant artwork created by her four children. Although walking the red carpet solo, Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, noted for their joint appearances, did not attend the gala.
Lively, who first attended the Met Gala in 2008, has often set the fashion benchmark at the event. After missing the gala since 2023, her return was particularly noteworthy given the recent legal developments surrounding her lawsuit against Baldoni. The trial had been scheduled to begin on May 18, but the settlement was confirmed just before the gala.
In a joint statement, Lively and Baldoni expressed pride in their collaborative project, the film It Ends With Us, stating, “Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors – and all survivors – is a goal that we stand behind.” They acknowledged the challenges of the legal process and reaffirmed their commitment to creating respectful workplace environments.
Lively’s lawsuit, initiated in December 2024, included allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress against Baldoni, who denied the claims and countersued in January 2025. However, his countersuit was dismissed by June of the same year. A recent ruling dismissed 10 out of Lively’s 13 claims, allowing only those related to breach of contract and retaliation to proceed.
Baldoni’s attorney described the court’s dismissal of most claims as confirmation of their position that no misconduct occurred. In contrast, Lively’s legal representative insisted that the court’s decision supported her right to pursue her case, clarifying that the ruling did not endorse the actions of the defendants.
As Lively moves forward, she expressed gratitude for the court’s support, stating, “The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced.” She added that she intends to continue advocating for victims of workplace harassment and to expose systems that undermine their experiences.
Her presence at the gala not only highlighted her resilience but also marked a pivotal moment as she navigates both personal triumphs and professional challenges.
Blake Lively Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
