Blake Lively returns to Met Gala red carpet amid closure of Baldoni legal dispute

Blake Lively made a solo appearance at the Met Gala 2026 in New York, stepping onto the red carpet just hours after confirming a legal settlement in her long-running dispute with Justin Baldoni.

The 38-year-old actress appeared without her husband Ryan Reynolds, wearing a pastel custom gown by Versace as she attended fashion’s biggest night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

The appearance came shortly after both Lively and Baldoni issued a joint statement confirming they had reached an out-of-court settlement, bringing an end to their highly publicized legal battle tied to the film It Ends With Us.

Speaking on the red carpet, Lively admitted she felt emotional and somewhat reserved during the event, saying she missed her children as she stepped out for the evening. 

She also revealed a personal touch to her look: a custom handbag decorated with drawings made by her four children.

“I’m shy, I just like to have my kids with me,” she said.

Her gown, featuring a dramatic 13-foot train, was taken from Versace’s archives and drew inspiration from 18th-century Venetian Rococo art. The look was completed with jewellery by Lorraine Schwartz and heels by Christian Louboutin.

Fashion designer Donatella Versace praised the ensemble, calling it one of Lively’s standout Met Gala appearances. 

She noted the actress’s long history of memorable red carpet collaborations with the brand and said the look continued that legacy.

This year’s Met Gala theme, Costume Art, emphasized a romantic, immersive aesthetic across the red carpet, with Vogue describing the setting as a living gallery of fashion-inspired art. 

Lively’s pastel gown aligned with that vision, continuing her tradition of coordinating her outfits with the event’s carpet tones.

Beyond fashion, the appearance also came amid the conclusion of Lively’s legal dispute with Baldoni. 

The case, which began in late 2024, involved allegations tied to the production of It Ends With Us and included claims and countersuits from both sides. Earlier court rulings had already dismissed several claims before the settlement was reached, ultimately ending the prospect of a trial.

Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, but both parties confirmed in their joint statement that the matter has been resolved and expressed hope for closure and a constructive path forward.