Blake Lively Makes Her Met Gala Comeback Following ‘It Ends With Us’ Controversy

Blake Lively returned to the Met Gala spotlight after skipping last year’s event amid her legal dispute tied to “It Ends With Us.” The actress arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a pastel Versace-inspired look that quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about fashion moments.

Blake Lively made a high-profile return to the Met Gala on May 4, 2026, stepping back onto fashion’s biggest red carpet after a year marked by legal headlines connected to “It Ends With Us” costar Justin Baldoni.

The actress, long considered one of the event’s standout style stars, attended the annual fundraiser at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art wearing a dramatic pastel gown inspired by a vintage Versace design. Her appearance came just hours after news broke that she had reached a settlement in her yearlong legal battle with Baldoni.

Lively had skipped the 2025 Met Gala during the height of the controversy. Her return immediately drew attention online and across entertainment media, with many fans and fashion watchers eager to see how she would re-enter the spotlight.

Blake Lively Revives Vintage Versace Inspiration

Lively’s gown was described as a “Met-ified” take on a Versace dress originally designed in 2006. The actress, who is known for styling herself without the help of a professional stylist, once again handled her own fashion direction for the evening.

The gown featured soft lavender crystal details and shades inspired by Venetian Rococo aesthetics. The flowing skirt carried layers of pastel tones that gave the dress a dramatic but polished finish.

Her accessories also carried personal meaning. Lively paired the look with jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz and carried a small purse featuring artwork inspired by her four children with husband Ryan Reynolds: James, 11, Inez, 9, Betty, 6, and Olin, 3.

A Simpler Beauty Look for the Red Carpet

While the gown itself leaned heavily into glamour, Lively kept her beauty styling understated.

Her blonde hair was worn in long, Old Hollywood-inspired waves cascading over her shoulders. Makeup focused on bronzed skin and soft eye makeup, creating a California-inspired glam finish rather than a dramatic editorial look.

Lively has regularly become one of the event’s most discussed attendees over the years thanks to her dramatic fashion choices and elaborate transformations tied to the gala’s annual themes. Her previous appearances have included large-scale gown reveals and highly detailed couture looks that often dominate social media conversation after the event.

Rumors Swirled Ahead of Her Appearance

Before Lively officially arrived at the gala, rumors circulated online suggesting she had paid for access to the exclusive event. The speculation quickly spread across social media as fans questioned whether she had received an invitation following the controversy surrounding “It Ends With Us.”

However, a source with knowledge of the situation told E! News that Lively attended as an invited guest of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and Vogue itself.

Wintour co-chaired this year’s event alongside Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams.

Timing of the Appearance Drew Attention

Part of the reason Lively’s Met Gala appearance generated so much discussion was the timing.

Hours before she arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reports emerged that she had reached a settlement in the legal dispute involving Baldoni, her “It Ends With Us” costar.

The legal battle had stretched on for roughly a year and became a frequent topic across entertainment news coverage. While details surrounding the settlement were not outlined during the gala coverage itself, the timing immediately connected the actress’ return to the larger public conversation surrounding the case.

Blake Lively Reclaims Her Place Among the Gala’s Biggest Stars

For years, Lively has built a reputation as one of the Met Gala’s defining attendees. Her appearances often generate anticipation before the event even begins, particularly because she does not rely on a stylist and instead works closely on the direction of her looks herself.

Her return this year signaled a return to familiar territory after months largely dominated by legal updates rather than fashion coverage.

The actress did not publicly address the controversy while on the carpet. Instead, the focus remained on her fashion, accessories, and arrival at one of the entertainment industry’s most exclusive nights.

As the evening unfolded, Lively once again secured her place among the Met Gala’s most closely watched attendees, proving that even after a difficult year in the headlines, she remains one of the event’s biggest attractions.