Blake Lively's lawyer says Met Gala return was a 'strategic move' after Justin Baldoni settlement

Lively's lawyer suggested the appearance was about 'standing up and not being silenced'

Blake Lively’s surprise return to the 2026 Met Gala was more than just a fashion moment, according to her attorney, who says the appearance was an intentional statement following the actress’ legal settlement with Justin Baldoni.

In an interview with People, attorney Sigrid McCawley described Lively’s decision to attend the gala as “a strategic move,” framing it as a sign that the actress was refusing to retreat from public life after months of intense scrutiny surrounding the It Ends with Us legal battle.

Lively appeared at the event just hours after news broke that she and Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer, had reached a settlement in their long-running dispute tied to the film. The actress wore an archival Atelier Versace gown with a dramatic 13-foot train, marking her first Met Gala appearance since 2022.

McCawley suggested the appearance was about “standing up and not being silenced,” positioning the red carpet moment as both a public comeback and an assertion of confidence amid the fallout from the lawsuit.

The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni became one of Hollywood’s most closely followed controversies after allegations surrounding the production of It Ends with Us escalated into lawsuits, countersuits, and claims of retaliation and smear campaigns. While many of Lively’s claims were later dismissed in court, both sides ultimately settled the remaining dispute shortly before trial.

Lively’s Met Gala appearance immediately sparked conversation online, with many viewing it as a calculated image-reset moment. Fashion and entertainment commentators noted that the gala, long associated with celebrity prestige and industry influence, offered the actress a high-profile opportunity to reassert herself publicly after months of negative headlines.

The actress’ return to the Met Gala was also symbolically significant given her history with the event. Lively has previously been regarded as one of the gala’s defining red carpet figures, with several of her past looks becoming iconic moments in Met Gala history.