Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Reportedly Skipping 2025 Met Gala Amid Legal Battle With Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are not expected to attend the 2025 Met Gala, marking yet another absence from the prestigious event. Reports indicate that their decision is linked to the ongoing legal dispute between Lively and her It Ends With Us co-star, Justin Baldoni.

A Break From the Met Gala Spotlight

According to US Weekly, an insider revealed that the couple has no plans to make an appearance at the annual fashion event. “She’s not a Kardashian that goes every year,” the source reportedly stated, suggesting that Lively’s attendance has never been a given.

The last time the Gossip Girl star and the Deadpool actor walked the Met Gala red carpet was in 2022. That year, Lively co-chaired the event and stunned in a show-stopping gown that paid tribute to the Statue of Liberty. Since then, the couple has opted out of the high-profile fundraiser, and it appears 2025 will be no different.

Legal Battle With Baldoni Looms Large

The reason for their absence this time, however, seems to be more than just a scheduling decision. Lively’s ongoing legal feud with Baldoni has been a major focus for the actress in recent months.

In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us. The lawsuit also alleges that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her, making their once-promising collaboration a legal and public relations nightmare.

Baldoni has vehemently denied the allegations. In response, he filed a staggering $400 million countersuit against Lively, Reynolds, and Lively’s publicist. His claim? Defamation. The legal fight has only escalated since then, and the upcoming trial in 2026 is expected to be highly publicized.

The Bigger Picture: Hollywood’s Legal Battles

Lively’s spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging the weight of the situation: “The painful reality is that Ms. Lively is not alone in being sued for defamation after speaking up about being sexually harassed at work.” This comment highlights a broader trend in Hollywood, where defamation lawsuits have increasingly become part of high-stakes legal disputes.

Baldoni’s countersuit also raises questions about the risks celebrities face when going public with allegations. Some legal experts have pointed out that defamation cases can serve as a deterrent against speaking out, especially when massive financial claims are involved.

What’s Next for Lively and Reynolds?

For now, Lively and Reynolds are focused on their personal and legal battles rather than making fashion statements on the Met Gala carpet. The couple, known for their playful social media presence and Hollywood power status, has kept a relatively low profile in recent months.

While neither Lively nor Reynolds has publicly commented on their Met Gala absence, their decision is likely aimed at avoiding further media scrutiny. With a major trial ahead and millions of dollars at stake, it seems understandable that the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala might not be a priority.