Blake Lively made a glamorous return to the Met Gala 2026 red carpet on Monday, shortly after reaching a settlement in her legal dispute with Justin Baldoni.

Return to the Red Carpet

The actress, 38, graced the event without her husband, Ryan Reynolds, a notable absence given his consistent support during her public feud with Baldoni. This appearance was particularly significant following the resolution of her lawsuit against Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, and his PR agency.

The Legal Dispute

Lively’s lawsuit concerned allegations of retaliation and breach of contract stemming from their 2024 film, It Ends With Us. She skillfully avoided any indication of the preceding drama, radiating confidence in a breathtaking archival Atelier Versace gown from the Spring 2006 collection.

A Personal Touch

During a red carpet interview, Lively playfully expressed shyness and a desire to have her four children – James, 11, Inez, nine, Betty, six, and Olin, three – accompany her. Her custom handbag featured watercolor drawings created by each of her children, adding a personal touch to her glamorous look.

Joint Statement and Settlement Details

The settlement was announced via a joint statement from Lively and Baldoni’s teams. The statement emphasized that It Ends With Us remained a source of pride and highlighted its commitment to raising awareness for domestic violence survivors.

Acknowledging Concerns

The statement acknowledged the challenges encountered during the process and affirmed the importance of addressing Ms. Lively’s concerns. It also reiterated a dedication to maintaining workplaces free from improprieties and unproductive environments. Notably, the statement lacked a direct apology from either party.

Background of the Lawsuit

The complex legal battle began in December 2024, when Lively initially filed her multimillion-dollar suit. Wayfarer Studios, It Ends With Us Movie LLC, and The Agency Group (TAG PR) reportedly expressed satisfaction with the resolution.

Lively's Met Gala History

Lively has been a frequent and celebrated attendee of the Met Gala, often choosing bold Versace designs. Her past appearances include a Statue of Liberty-inspired gown in 2022 and a red-and-gold Versace creation in 2018.

Previous Court Rulings

The recent legal proceedings saw a judge initially dismiss ten of Lively’s thirteen claims, including all sexual harassment allegations, leaving only three counts for trial: retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation, and breach of contract. Baldoni was removed as a direct defendant, with Wayfarer, It Ends With Us Movie LLC, and TAG PR facing trial for an alleged smear campaign.

Countersuits Dismissed

Baldoni and Wayfarer had previously filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and Reynolds, alleging defamation and extortion, but these claims were dismissed last June. Lively’s legal team argued she suffered substantial financial losses, while Wayfarer’s attorneys disputed these claims.

The Gown

The Atelier Versace gown featured a draped bodice, delicate gemstone embellishments in pastel shades, and a dramatic 13ft train, completing her stunning red carpet presence.