Blake Lively's striking appearance at the Met Gala on Monday signalled that she is 'moving on' following the settlement of her explosive legal battle with Justin Baldoni. The 38-year-old actress, who was recently trolled by Baldoni's lawyer for being too 'scared' to testify, walked the red carpet solo in an archival Atelier Versace dress with a shimmering bodice and full skirt.
Settlement Details
Just hours before the event, it was revealed that Lively and Baldoni had settled their legal dispute ahead of the May 18 trial date. The Gossip Girl alum received no payout from Baldoni, but she is demanding that he cover her legal fees. The pair reportedly spent a combined $60 million on litigation, according to Page Six.
Legal Team's Statements
Lively's attorney, Sigrid McCawley, told Entertainment Tonight that the star is 'moving on with her life.' Regarding her return to the Met Gala, McCawley stated it was to show Lively is 'standing up and not being silenced.' She added, 'That's exactly what Blake is intent on doing. We wouldn't want any woman in that position to be silenced. They should be out living their life.'
McCawley also noted that Lively is now prioritising 'exposing the digital retaliation campaign here that was weaponized against her.' She described Lively as 'incredibly brave to stand up for herself in that moment and for others in the workplace' and said she will 'continue to pave that path of being really bold and brave in this moment.'
Baldoni's Lawyer Responds
Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, commented on Lively's Met Gala appearance, saying, 'I don't know that it was the wisest choice. If that's what she needs to heal, then more power to her.' Freedman earlier claimed that Lively was 'scared' to testify and that a trial would have 'exposed her lies.' He alleged she 'lied about telling Sony to destroy the dailies' and 'lied that she never told Colleen Hoover to unfollow Justin Baldoni.' Lively's team responded, 'I guess he's no longer "ecstatic" about the settlement.'
Background of the Legal Battle
Lively initially filed a lawsuit in December 2024, accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign. Baldoni countersued for $400 million and filed a $250 million libel claim against The New York Times. A judge later dismissed Lively's sexual harassment and fat-shaming claims, leaving three claims: breach of contract, retaliation, and aiding and abetting retaliation. The settlement was announced just before trial.
Joint Statement
In a joint statement, both parties acknowledged that their film It Ends With Us remains a 'source of pride' and raises awareness for domestic violence survivors. They said, 'We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognise concerns raised by Ms Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments.' No apology was issued.
Moving Forward
Baldoni has also made a public appearance since the settlement, seen with his wife Emily in Nashville on Wednesday. A source told People that the family is focusing on 'moving forward' and that Nashville has given them 'a fresh start.' Meanwhile, Lively attended the Met Gala without husband Ryan Reynolds, expressing she felt 'shy' and wished her four children were with her.
