Blake Lively is breaking her silence amidst a tumultuous year marked by legal battles and personal challenges. In her first television interview since her legal troubles with former co-star Justin Baldoni began, Lively appeared on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to promote her new film, "Another Simple Favor." During the conversation, she reflected on the highs and lows of her year, sharing poignant insights about her experiences and the broader issue of women's voices in the wake of adversity.
"It's no surprise I've had a pretty intense year, and they're just my lifeline," Lively said, referring to her children, whom she shares with husband Ryan Reynolds. "No matter what day I'm having, I have to be Disneyland every day for them, and so it's the best." The actress, who has three daughters and one son, emphasized the importance of family during challenging times.
As the interview progressed, Meyers, a former "Saturday Night Live" cast member, touched on Lively's ongoing legal situation, acknowledging that he might not be fully aware of the complexities involved. "Were I to ask you about it, I imagine you're in a situation where you can't say much," he said. Lively confirmed, stating, "What I can say without going too into it is that this year has been full of the highest highs and the lowest lows of my life, and I see so many women around afraid to speak, especially right now, afraid to share their experiences."
Her comments resonated deeply with the audience, and she continued, "And fear is by design, it's what keeps us silent, but I also acknowledge that many people don't have the opportunity to speak, so I do feel fortunate that I've been able to. And it's the women who have had the ability to use their voice that's kept me strong, and helped me in my belief in my fight for the world to be safe for women and girls." As applause erupted from the audience, Lively's remarks underscored the ongoing struggle many women face when it comes to speaking out against abuse.
The legal drama between Lively and Baldoni began in December 2024 when Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of their film, "It Ends With Us." Following her complaint, which included allegations of retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, Lively escalated her case to federal court, filing a lawsuit against Baldoni on December 31, 2024.
In a twist of events, Baldoni countered with a $250 million lawsuit against the New York Times for a December article that reported on the alleged smear campaign he attempted to orchestrate against Lively. Shortly thereafter, he named both Lively and Reynolds in a separate $400 million defamation lawsuit, claiming that the Hollywood power couple was attempting to hijack the narrative surrounding "It Ends With Us." A trial date for these contentious lawsuits is set for March 2026.
During her appearance on Meyers' show, Lively also took a moment to celebrate lighter aspects of her life, including her husband's success with Wrexham A.F.C., a soccer team he co-owns with Rob McElhenney. The team recently achieved promotion to the Sky Bet Championship league after a significant win. "It's unbelievable," she said, expressing her joy over their success. When asked about attending games, she remarked, "Oh my gosh, I love it so much. The community is, like, the most ferocious, protective, loving, often-drunk family you've ever had in your life ... My husband compares it -- he's like, 'It's like church, being here,' and I see what he means."
Lively's legal battle with Baldoni has not only affected her professionally but has also shaped her public persona. In April 2025, she honored female survivors of domestic violence and assault during a speech at the TIME100 Gala. She paid tribute to her mother, Willie Elain McAlpin, a survivor of severe crimes against women, stating, "I am here, my mom is here, because that woman not only survived, but she told others how." This acknowledgment of her mother's strength highlights Lively's commitment to advocating for women and girls in difficult situations.
Throughout her career, Lively has often used her platform to address social issues, and this latest chapter in her life appears to be no different. The actress's willingness to speak out about her struggles, both personal and legal, reflects a broader movement among women in Hollywood and beyond to confront abuse and hold perpetrators accountable.
As Lively continues to navigate the complexities of her legal battles, her ability to balance her family life, career aspirations, and advocacy work remains a testament to her resilience. The ongoing saga with Baldoni serves as a reminder of the challenges many women face in the entertainment industry and the importance of creating a safe environment for all.
As the trial date approaches, fans and supporters alike will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds and what it means for the future of discussions surrounding abuse and accountability in Hollywood. Lively's journey, marked by both triumph and adversity, underscores the ongoing fight for women's rights and the power of using one's voice to enact change.
