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Arts & Culture
23 March 2025

Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Will Skip The 2025 Met Gala

The couple's decision to miss the gala is unrelated to ongoing legal troubles surrounding Justin Baldoni.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are set to skip the 2025 Met Gala, according to a report by TMZ. The May 5 event, themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," will proceed without the high-profile couple, leading to speculation and intrigue about their absence. Sources near the couple insist that their decision was made long before current legal troubles unfolded, notably a $400 million lawsuit involving Lively and her co-star, Justin Baldoni.

In a statement to Us Weekly, an insider shared, "She’s not a Kardashian that goes every year," hinting that Lively's absence might not be surprising for those familiar with her previous attendance patterns. In fact, the couple hasn’t attended the gala since 2022 when they co-chaired alongside Regina King and Lin-Manuel Miranda at the Gilded Glamour-themed event.

During their last appearance in 2022, Lively stunned in a Versace gown that creatively echoed the colors of the Statue of Liberty, a nod appreciated by many fashion enthusiasts. This year's gala, however, will see different faces gracing the red carpet. A source confirmed to People, "Blake and Ryan haven’t gone since 2022, and they will not be in attendance this year."

Notably, the 2025 Met Gala, taking place on May 5, has generated buzz not just for its theme, but for the esteemed roster of co-chairs. Including prominent figures such as Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, this year’s gala aims to present a comprehensive exploration of Black style from the 18th century to present day, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book, "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." This exploration of dandyism significantly shapes the gala’s narrative this year, highlighting the evolution of Black fashion and identity.

The dress code, titled "Tailored for You," reflects its focus on menswear while celebrating the cultural and historical relevance of tailored fashion within the Black community. LeBron James will serve as the honorary chair of the event, adding even more star power and engagement to the occasion.

While the couple’s decision to skip the Met Gala is confirmed, it is also clear that this absence is not a reflection of their ongoing legal battles. Reports indicate the decision was made independently of any legal strife, which contradicts rumors suggesting otherwise. As sources clarified, "the decision to skip this year's gala was made well before any legal conflict arose" between Lively and Baldoni.

This ongoing legal drama has captured public attention, particularly since Lively has filed for a court dismissal of Baldoni’s lawsuit, which she describes as baseless and retaliatory. On the flip side, Baldoni has implicated Lively and Reynolds amidst his legal challenges concerning alleged text leaks, prompting both stars to address these suits vigorously through their legal representatives.

Their last public appearance took place at the "SNL 50: The Anniversary Special" on February 16, 2025, where they appeared together and were in high spirits. This has only added to the speculation regarding their absence from the upcoming gala, given their influence and visibility at such high-profile events.

In retrospect, Lively has carved out her place as a fashion icon at the Met Gala, known for her creative and thematic outfits that stir conversations within the fashion community. Missing out on such a significant occasion certainly raises eyebrows, especially considering her history at past events. Yet fans and analysts alike must respect their decision to prioritize personal matters over Hollywood glitz this time.

As the gala approaches, anticipation remains among fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders. With or without Lively and Reynolds, the event signifies a crucial moment of cultural celebration and aesthetic examination, drawing attention to vital discussions surrounding identity through fashion.

Ultimately, while Lively and Reynolds may not walk the red carpet this year, their impact on the world of fashion — and their personal experiences — continues to resonate as the Met Gala approaches. The event heralds a reexamination of the fabric of Black style, making it an unmissable spectacle in its own right, even amid the couple's absence.