Blake Lively Alludes to Justin Baldoni Legal Woes and Praises Her Mother as ‘A Survivor of the Worst Crime’ in TIME100 Gala Speech

Blake Lively gave an empowering speech at the TIME100 Gala, where she subtly referenced her legal battle with Justin Baldoni. The acclaimed actress, who was honoured among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people, took the stage for six poignant minutes at the prestigious event held at Jazz at the Lincoln Center in New York City on Thursday, April 24.

During her address, Lively, 37, expressed the significance of being recognised as “influential” in a time where anger seems to dominate the narrative, highlighting the importance of celebrating positivity in the world. She acknowledged the responsibility that comes with such recognition, emphasising the impact of using one’s influence for meaningful causes and standing up for what truly matters.

While Lively hinted at the tumultuous events of the past two years in her life, she chose to focus on the theme of women finding their voices in society today. She shared deeply personal reflections on womanhood, drawing strength and inspiration from her mother, Willie Elaine McAlpin, whom she described as a survivor of a harrowing crime that deeply impacted their family.

Recounting her mother’s ordeal of surviving a life-threatening attack by a work acquaintance before Lively was born, the actress praised her mother’s resilience and credited another woman, whose name remains unknown, for bravely sharing her own story on the radio, ultimately saving her mother’s life. Through this narrative, Lively paid tribute to the enduring power of women supporting each other in times of crisis.

Discussing the challenges women face in various spheres of life, Lively highlighted the harsh reality that girls grow up in a world where safety is not guaranteed, cautioning against the false sense of security that society may project onto young girls. She emphasised the strength and resilience inherent in womanhood, viewing the ability to overcome adversity as a fundamental human right.

In a touching moment towards the end of her speech, Lively expressed gratitude to the men and communities that work tirelessly to create safe spaces for all individuals, acknowledging the collective efforts needed to ensure a better, more inclusive future. She concluded her remarks by acknowledging the importance of kindness and integrity, especially when no one is watching.

Lively’s cryptic mention of the “last two years” alludes to the ongoing legal dispute between herself and Justin Baldoni, with whom she worked on the film “It Ends With Us.” The actress filed a lawsuit in December 2024, alleging harassment and defamation against Baldoni, leading to a complex legal battle that is set to unfold in court in March 2026.

The TIME100 Gala provided a platform for Lively to not only reflect on her personal journey but also to amplify the voices of women who have faced similar struggles. Her speech resonated with audience members, highlighting the enduring importance of solidarity and empowerment in today’s society.

As Lively continues to navigate the challenges of her legal battle, her unwavering commitment to advocating for women’s rights and speaking out against injustice serves as a beacon of inspiration for many. Through her words and actions, she reaffirms the resilience and courage that define her tireless efforts towards creating a more equitable world.