Blake Lively EXPOSED: ‘Obvious PR Move’ Backfires at TIME100 Gala

People criticized Blake Lively for discussing her mother’s past hardships during her TIME100 gala speech, labeling it a “calculated public relations strategy.

At an event hosted by Jazz at the Lincoln Center in New York City on Thursday, the actress famed for her role in Gossip Girl, who was recognized as one of TIME’s 100 most impactful individuals, delivered a prolonged speech.

In a video posted online, the actress, who previously ignited strong reactions from Megyn Kelly at a premiere event, openly discussed her mother’s ordeal of being assaulted by a colleague when she was 77 years old.

In a context where she’s engaged in an intense legal dispute with Justin Baldoni over allegations of sexual harassation (which he denies), Lively noted that this wasn’t the right setting for sharing her thoughts about the past two years of her life, and instead chose to focus on the empowerment she feels as a woman who has a voice today.

Lively mentioned that her mother, Willie Elaine McAlpin, had the greatest impact on her life. Notably, her mother and her husband, Ryan Reynolds (aged 48), were by her side at the recent event they attended together.

She explained her mom was the ‘survivor of the worst crime someone can commit against a woman.’

Blake Lively disclosed during her Time100 speech that her mother is a survivor of rape – a strategic move in public relations meant to connect with survivors of sexual assault. However, it seems ironic that despite this personal connection to trauma, she struggled to find a way to promote a film focusing on domestic violence. One might wonder if a Nobel Peace Prize is next on her agenda.

— Little Nomad (@PastNomad) April 25, 2025

She stated, “Justice was never served for my mom, who faced a dangerous situation with one of her coworkers when she was raising three small children, long before I was even born.

Lively mentioned that it was a woman, who had a similar experience, whom her mother believed had indirectly saved her life when they spoke on the radio.

In simpler terms, ‘A woman courageously recounted her harrowing escape story, which moved my mother to action instead of fear and unjust guilt. Because of this unknown woman, my mom is still alive today.’

Later, she described womanhood as an unspoken agreement whereby we demonstrate to others, whether physically or spiritually, the means of endurance.

‘We conceal it from our daughters, but one day we reveal to them the truth that as they played dress-up as princesses, they were unaware of the risks they face at work, home, in public places such as parking lots and online. Regardless of where they are – physically, emotionally, or professionally – they may not be secure.’

Vitaly referred to ‘the strength of women’s victory’ as an inherent ‘human entitlement,’ and went on to say, ‘Always remember, a woman’s capacity for withstanding hardship should never be underestimated.’

At the conclusion of her speech, she expressed gratitude towards every compassionate man, such as my dear husband Ryan, who demonstrates kindness and goodness even when unobserved.

She also addressed those diverse groups throughout society – regardless of their gender, age, political views, location, or ethnicity – who struggle daily for safety, I acknowledge your existence.

A number of followers spoke up critically against the actress, as they noticed a contradiction in her speaking openly about her own family’s struggles yet remaining quiet on the issue of domestic violence during her promotion for “It Ends With Us,” a film directed and co-starring Baldoni that depicts an abusive relationship.

It seems this person is expressing confusion, as they’ve noticed that someone is now leveraging their mother’s story of suffering (SA) to be more likable, but in August, they didn’t mention domestic violence (DV) when promoting a movie about the same topic. They find it intriguing…

Blake Lively disclosed during her Time100 address that her mother is a survivor of rape, using this platform to connect with victims of sexual assault. Critics argue that this move was strategically done for public relations purposes. Despite having such a personal connection to trauma, it’s perplexing that she struggled to promote a film about domestic violence. One might wonder what her future endeavors could be – perhaps even a Nobel Peace Prize? Another commentator added…

It’s fascinating that despite Blake Lively stating she won’t discuss her legal issues with Justin Baldoni, she seemingly tarnishes his reputation indirectly by linking him casually to a discussion about rape and disgrace.

It’s puzzling that she didn’t deliver these speeches while marketing the film; instead, she focused on advertising alcohol and naming cocktails after the characters. I can’t grasp why she continues to be provided with a public stage for this.

A person asked, “Since my mother has suffered, does that mean I understand pain as well? Why should I share her story?

In another part of her speech, Lively talked about being recognized at a time when rage appears to hold significant value. It seems rebellious to gather together and applaud the goodness that thrives in our world instead.

Regarding the term “influential,” she stated, “The way we wield that power is significant. It’s important to consider who and what we support, what we refuse to address, what we profit from compared to our true values.

At the grand event, Blake gracefully entered wearing an enchanting, deep-red, off-shoulder dress that accentuated her neckline elegantly, while also boasting a demure train following in her wake.

She wore an attractive, flapper-style black dress adorned with diagonal rows of black sequins, and it had see-through black panels over her upper body and arms as well.

Ryan favored classic men’s style with a black tuxedo and bow tie.

At the event on Thursday, Megyn Kelly reacted very strongly when Lively was added to the prestigious list of Most Influential People, a decision that had caused controversy.

A 54-year-old conservative journalist passionately criticized Blake and her legal dispute with Justin during an outburst, as she spoke to DailyMail.com at a recent event.

According to Megyn, Blake — who left readers outraged over her TIME100 cover — ‘shouldn’t be here.’

During the TIME100 event, Megyn intensified her criticism towards the actress from Gossip Girl, claiming that she had misused the #MeToo movement by making false allegations against her director and co-star Justin from “It Ends With Us,” whom she accused of sexual harassment. However, he has refuted these claims.

‘It’s a ridiculous joke. She shouldn’t be here,’ she said of Blake.

In a subsequent statement, Megyn expressed her belief that Blake fabricated the Me Too accusations against Justin, and these false claims have since unraveled, causing her deep remorse.

It’s scandalous that she receives recognition for attempting to tarnish a man’s reputation over trivial matters.

In the heat of my legal dispute with Justin, I found myself at the center of a heated conflict, as a fresh lawsuit filing ignited a rift. My production company and Jennifer Abel, the publicist for my film “It Ends With Us,” claimed that Stephanie Jones, my former publicist who’s been embroiled in controversy, conspired with Blake to secretly distribute her confidential text messages to the actress, allegedly as part of an attempt to hide these efforts.

Later on, Baldoni initiated lawsuits: one for defamation worth $400 million against Lively, her representative, and her spouse Ryan, all of whom have refuted the accusations; additionally, he filed a libel lawsuit valued at $250 million against The New York Times for their coverage on his allegations. All parties involved have denied these claims.

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2025-04-25 10:20

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