A deaf lip reader has analyzed Blake Lively's interactions with ushers on the steps of the 2026 Met Gala, with fans saying the actress showed her true colors through her polite and apologetic comments.
Blake Lively's Met Gala Appearance
Blake Lively appeared at the 2026 Met Gala, celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, just hours after it was announced that she and Justin Baldoni had reached a settlement agreement following a long legal battle. Lively wore an archival Atelier Versace gown as she graced the famous steps.
The Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni
Lively first gained fame in the late 1990s, with her breakthrough role in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) and its sequel. She is best known for portraying Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl. In recent years, she shifted focus to films such as The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, and A Simple Favor.
Most recently, she produced and starred opposite Justin Baldoni in his romantic drama It Ends with Us. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign to destroy her reputation. Baldoni countersued for $400 million, alleging defamation and breach of contract, but his case was dismissed in June 2025.
On May 4, 2026, legal teams for both parties confirmed they had reached an agreement ending the dispute, just two weeks before the case was set to go to trial in New York City. In a rare joint statement, they said: "Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors - and all survivors - is a goal that we stand behind. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online."
Lip Reader's Analysis
Following the settlement announcement, Lively attended the Met Gala. Cameras captured her interacting with journalists and ushers, and deaf digital creator Jacquelyn Gonzalez, known online as tismejackieg, posted a TikTok video analyzing Lively's words.
In one clip, Lively handed her bag to an usher and reportedly said: "Thank you. Can I give you... oh wait, can I just give you this for one second? Thank you." In another, she turned to ushers and said: "You guys can just leave it that way if you want. It'll trail behind me. Yeah. Thank you. Sorry. Sorry guys."
In a third clip, Lively reportedly said: "Do you mind fluffing that? I'm so sorry. Perfect. Perfect. That's great. Thank you." She added: "Sorry. They work so hard. I have to make it nice." Finally, while smiling, she said to someone at the top of the steps: "I'll be there soon. I'm standing all over this thing."
Fan Reactions
Fans commented under the video, with one saying: "Why do people hate on her? I don't get it." Another added: "I know this one's the right one. Blake Lively is one of the sweetest ladies." A user who had met Lively shared: "I'm not necessarily a Blake Lively fan but she was a regular shopper at my old store and was really nice to us." Another user said: "I love her. And I'm happy YOU are translating this one. I was so confused by the other one that was so negative!"
