Blake Lively makes surprise appearance at 2026 Met Gala

5 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 4

Hours after settling her legal battle with Justin Baldoni, the 38-year-old actor arrived at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art in a modified 2006 beige Versace gown.
The settlement, reached before a scheduled trial, ended lawsuits tied to alleged on-set misconduct, retaliation and reputational damage during the making of 2024 film "It Ends With Us."
This year's gala accompanied the Met's "Costume Art" exhibition on fashion and history. Lively last attended in 2022, when she and Ryan Reynolds served as co-chairs.

Was Blake Lively’s Met Gala appearance a calculated PR move after her legal battle?

Did the film's $350M success force a settlement in the Lively vs. Baldoni case?

With key claims dismissed, what did Blake Lively ultimately gain from her lawsuit settlement?