Stars Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds intentionally miss Met Gala amid continuing legal affair.
Rewritten Article:
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds passed on the 2025 Met Gala, grabbing the attention for their absence amidst their feud with Justin Baldoni.
The Met Gala, a prestigious annual event held at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, took place on Monday, May 5. However, the fashion world noticed the conspicuous absence of Lively and Reynolds, known for their frequent appearances at the event.
Their decision to skip the Met Gala wasn't entirely surprising, according to sources that hinted at their plans before the escalation of their legal dispute with Baldoni. Early reports suggested that they had decided to stay out of the spotlight since their co-chair position in 2022[1][2].
PR expert Grayce McCormick believes that their absence was a strategic move, aimed at avoiding unnecessary attention. "Even though sources claim their decision was made before the legal drama intensified," McCormick tells Daily Express US, "the timing is noteworthy, as public interest reaches a peak during such periods."
Lively and Reynolds have been at odds with Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, since December 2024, when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and a smear campaign. Baldoni denies the allegations and countersued the couple and their publicist, Leslie Sloane, for $400 million. The couple has labelled his lawsuit "frivolous," with the trial slated for March 2026[1][2].
Interestingly, Marvel entered the fray, requesting to be dismissed from the case due to a subpoena linked to Reynolds' character, Nicepool[2]. Baldoni appears to be using this character to accuse the couple of bullying him.
Despite staying away from the Met Gala, Lively isn't entirely distancing herself from the limelight. Her appearances at the Another Simple Favor premiere and TIME100 Gala hint at a deliberate approach towards making public appearances[3].
Key Insights:
- The Legal Controversy: Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and a smear campaign. The legal battle has become more complex, involving Marvel and a trial scheduled for March 2026.
- Marvel's Involvement: Marvel is involved in the case due to a subpoena related to Ryan Reynolds' character, Nicepool. Baldoni is using the character to assert that the couple bullied him.
- Strategic Absence: Lively's absence from the Met Gala could be a strategic move to steer clear of controversy during the legal battle. Her calculated public appearances suggest a carefully planned approach to managing her public image.
[1] [Enrichment Source 1][2] [Enrichment Source 2][3] [Enrichment Source 3]
- Given Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's legal disagreement with Justin Baldoni, their decision to skip the Met Gala in 2025, despite their frequent attendance, sparked curiosity among the public.
- PR expert Grayce McCormick speculates that the decision to skip the Met Gala was a calculated move by Lively and Reynolds to avoid unnecessary attention, especially during the escalation of their legal dispute with Baldoni.
- Marvel, known for its entertainment projects, has become entangled in the dispute, with its involvement in the case being linked to Reynolds' character, Nicepool.
- Amidst this legal controversy, Blake Lively has been selective with her public appearances, attending the Another Simple Favor premiere and TIME100 Gala, hinting at a strategic approach towards managing her image in pop-culture.
- The world of entertainment watches closely as the legal battle between Lively, Reynolds, and Baldoni unfolds, with the trial set for March 2026, and $400 million at stake.
- Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, prominent celebrities in the US, have indubitably left a gap at the Met Gala, but their absence might just be part of a grand PR strategy in the face of the legal controversy they currently face.
