Actress Blake Lively garnered attention at the Met Gala after appearing to give clear instructions to assistants managing her gown’s train, following the recent resolution of a legal dispute with Justin Baldoni.

Lively's Direct Approach at the Met Gala

The 38-year-old actress made a memorable entrance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday. Her elaborate gown, featuring multiple layers of fabric, required a team to manage its length effectively.

Red Carpet Interactions Spark Discussion

Footage from the event shows Lively pausing on the steps to direct those assisting with her dress. This moment was interpreted by some as an unusual display of assertiveness from the typically amiable actress.

A social media user playfully commented, “No one has ever looked more like they were about to CC HR on the red carpet…” accompanied by a clip from the livestream, adding, “The dress said couture. The energy said ‘per my last email.’”

Differing Interpretations

While some viewers perceived Lively’s actions as demanding, others defended her, suggesting she was simply providing guidance to the professionals hired to assist celebrities on the red carpet.

One commenter noted, “It looks to me like she’s instructing the people who are hired to assist celebrities on the carpet how to help or not help with her dress, Not mean or bossy just delegating like a boss.” Lively reportedly thanked the attendants after clarifying her preferences.

Details of the Red Carpet Moment

Lively was wearing a stunning archival Atelier Versace gown from the Spring 2006 collection. The video shows her four helpers initially attempting to spread out her train as she ascended the steps.

However, when one helper began to lift the skirt, Lively immediately gestured for him to lower it, allowing it to trail on the floor. He complied, stepping back and laying the fabric down. She then dismissed even the remaining assistant when he offered an arm for balance, choosing to pose independently.

The social media user reiterated the humorous observation: “The dress said couture. The energy said ‘per my last email.’”

Legal Settlement with Justin Baldoni

This red carpet appearance followed closely on the heels of Lively’s settlement in a legal battle with Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director in ‘It Ends With Us.’ The agreement, reached just hours before the Met Gala, involved no financial exchange.

Baldoni had previously denied allegations of sexual harassment made by Lively, and a judge had dismissed ten of her thirteen claims, including those of harassment. However, claims of retaliation from Baldoni’s production studio, Wayfarer, and the film’s production company, as well as breach of contract, remained valid.

Ultimately, Lively reached a settlement with Wayfarer Studios and Baldoni’s PR agency regarding the retaliation and breach of contract claims. A joint statement from Lively and Baldoni emphasized their shared pride in the film and its mission to raise awareness for domestic violence survivors.

They acknowledged the challenges encountered during the process and affirmed their commitment to maintaining respectful and productive work environments. The statement concluded, “We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments.”