On Thursday night, April 24, 2025, Blake Lively delivered a poignant speech at the Time100 Gala in New York City, where she was honored as one of Time magazine's "Most Influential People of 2025." The event, held at Lincoln Center, was a star-studded affair that included celebrities like Serena Williams, Snoop Dogg, and Gayle King.
Before stepping onto the stage, Lively shared a tender moment with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who offered her words of encouragement and a couple of quick kisses. The couple's affection was captured on video, showcasing their bond as they prepared for the emotional evening ahead.
In her speech, Lively spoke movingly about her mother, Willie Elaine McAlpin, who was present at the gala. She revealed that her mother had been the victim of "the worst crime someone can commit against a woman," an assault by a work acquaintance. Lively emphasized the importance of sharing her mother's story, stating, "If we name it, we change it." This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience, as she highlighted the need for awareness and change surrounding issues of violence against women.
"I have so much to say about the last two years of my life, but tonight is not the forum," Lively explained, alluding to her ongoing legal battle with former co-star Justin Baldoni. Despite the challenges she faces, she expressed gratitude towards all men, particularly her husband, for their kindness and support when no one is watching. "Thank you to every man, including my sweet husband, who are kind and good when no one is watching," she said.
However, Lively's speech was met with mixed reactions online. Critics accused her of using her mother's trauma as a public relations move amid her legal disputes, with some calling it an "obvious PR move." Despite the backlash, Lively and Reynolds appeared unfazed, sharing a cheerful selfie the following day as they supported Reynolds' Welsh soccer team, Wrexham A.F.C., which he co-owns with Rob McElhenney.
In the selfie posted to her Instagram Stories, Lively and Reynolds were all smiles, showing their solidarity as Wrexham A.F.C. prepared to play Charlton Athletic F.C. Lively captioned the photo with enthusiasm, writing, "Let's go boys @wrexham_afc!"
Before her speech, a lip-reader revealed that Reynolds had told Lively, "I should be there, I need to shine right now," and "You need to understand what I am saying to you right now." Body language expert Judi James noted that their interactions at the gala hinted at subtle power dynamics, suggesting that Lively was steering the narrative while Reynolds appeared more reserved.
Ryan Reynolds later broke his silence on the speech during a charity panel for Parkinson’s research, stating, "I'm incredibly in awe of my wife in many ways." This public show of support came amidst the swirling controversy surrounding Lively's remarks.
During her speech, Lively also touched on the broader implications of womanhood, stating, "We don't let our daughters know, but one day we break their hearts by letting them in on the secret that we kept from them... that they are not and will likely never be safe at work, at home, in a parking lot in a medical office, online — in any space they inhabit physically, emotionally, professionally." She emphasized that the "superpower of female triumph" is a "basic human right" and urged women to never underestimate their ability to endure pain.
Despite her heartfelt message, Lively faced criticism for discussing her mother's experience, especially given her previous silence on domestic violence while promoting her film, It Ends With Us, which depicted an abusive relationship. Some social media users questioned her motives, suggesting that her speech was more about garnering sympathy than genuine advocacy.
As the evening unfolded, Lively's mother, Willie Elaine McAlpin, sat proudly in the audience, dressed elegantly in a flapper-inspired black dress. The bond between mother and daughter was palpable, as Lively credited her mother's strength and resilience for shaping her own identity.
In a particularly moving part of her speech, Lively recounted how her mother had once heard a woman share her own survival story, which ultimately inspired her to persevere through her own trauma. "My mom was saved by a woman whose name she'll never know," Lively shared, highlighting the power of shared experiences in healing and empowerment.
As the gala came to a close, Lively left the audience with a powerful message: "To all the communities across the gender, age, political, geographical, and racial spectrum who fight every day just to be safe, I see you." This call for solidarity resonated with many, even as critics continued to voice their discontent.
The aftermath of the gala saw Lively and Reynolds navigating the public eye with grace. While their personal lives have become fodder for tabloids, the couple remains committed to supporting each other through thick and thin. As they continue to face scrutiny, their love story serves as a reminder that even amidst controversy, genuine connections can prevail.
Meanwhile, the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues to unfold, with Baldoni filing a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, her publicist, and Reynolds, as well as a $250 million libel suit against the New York Times for its coverage of the allegations. A trial is scheduled for March 2026, and as the drama unfolds, fans and critics alike will be watching closely.
