Blake Lively defended by attorney over bold Met Gala appearance amid legal drama
The actress's lawyer says the actress is focused on 'moving on' after her legal settlement
Blake Lively is moving forward following her legal settlement with Justin Baldoni, with her attorney defending the actress’s high-profile appearance at the 2026 Met Gala just hours after the agreement was announced.
According to People, attorneys representing Lively and Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer, confirmed on May 4 that the parties had reached a settlement in the legal dispute tied to the 2024 film It Ends With Us.
Later that same day, Lively attended the Met Gala in New York City, wearing an archival Atelier Versace gown while sitting alongside Anna Wintour inside the event.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Lively’s attorney Sigrid McCawley explained that the actress’s appearance was part of her effort to move ahead after months of public scrutiny and legal battles.
McCawley said Lively remains focused on “exposing the digital retaliation campaign” she claims was used against her after speaking out, adding that the actress refuses to be “silenced.”
“As part of that, it’s about standing up and not being silenced, right? Moving on with your life, moving forward, and that’s exactly what Blake is intent on doing,” the attorney said.
She further praised the actress for being “bold and brave,” claiming Lively’s actions could encourage others facing workplace harassment to speak openly.
The legal conflict began after Lively accused Baldoni, who directed and starred alongside her in It Ends With Us, of sexual harassment and orchestrating a retaliatory smear campaign through associates tied to Wayfarer. Baldoni and the company denied the allegations throughout the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman also addressed the settlement, describing it as a “total victory” for his client and the Wayfarer parties.
Freedman stated that the court had already dismissed several of Lively’s claims, including allegations related to sexual harassment and defamation, before the remaining issues were voluntarily withdrawn.
Despite differing interpretations of the outcome, the settlement agreement reportedly allows Lively to continue pursuing legal fees and damages under California laws designed to protect individuals who report harassment from retaliatory defamation lawsuits.