Blake Lively looks all smiles as she steps out Met Gala just hours after landmark Justin Baldoni settlement

Blake Lively stunned onlookers by arriving at the 2026 Met Gala on Monday evening, mere hours after settling her legal dispute with Justin Baldoni.

The resolution came just a fortnight before the pair were due to face one another in court, bringing an end to nearly two years of litigation stemming from their work on the 2024 film It Ends With Us.

Lawyers representing both parties released a joint statement acknowledging the difficulties of the process.

"We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognise concerns raised by Ms Lively deserved to be heard," the statement read, adding: "It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online."

The financial terms remained undisclosed, and the statement is not an admission of guilt on behalf of either party.

The 38-year-old actress selected an archival Atelier Versace creation from the Spring 2006 collection for her return to fashion's most prestigious evening.

The pastel-hued gown, which Ms Lively described as resembling "a sunrise and a sunset, a gorgeous watercolour", featured a draped bodice and four three-dimensional structures at the hips, drawing inspiration from 18th-century Venetian Rococo paintings.

She added a 13-foot train to "Met-ify" the dress, though navigating the famous steps proved somewhat challenging, requiring assistance from attendants.

Lorraine Schwartz provided the jewellery, including a striking 30-carat yellow diamond ring, whilst Christian Louboutin supplied the footwear.

Perhaps the most personal touch came via her custom Judith Leiber Couture clutch, which incorporated watercolour paintings created by each of her four children with husband Ryan Reynolds.

"It's an honour to attend with Donatella, one that I don't take lightly," Ms Lively told Vogue during a red carpet interview.

"I haven't been since giving birth to my fourth child. Every year, I am a different version of myself than the last."

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Blake Lively’s Met Gala Moment Was Deeply Tone-Deaf

Blake Lively showing up at the Met Gala this year, smiling like nothing happened, honestly felt surreal. Not in a good way. More like… are we all just expected to pretend the last two years didn’t happen?

Because that’s what… pic.twitter.com/cU97Yovi1J

— Queen Esther (@XOQueenEsther) May 5, 2026

The actress, who shares son Olin and daughters James, Inez and Betty with Reynolds, spoke of the significance of the moment.

"So to be able to stand in the version of myself that I am today, and all the experiences I've had, in strength and confidence, is important to me," she explained.

"So is staying home on the couch with my kids in pajamas: Getting to do both, is an honour I will never stop being grateful for."

Monday's appearance marked her 11th Met Gala overall and her first since co-chairing the 2022 event.

Despite her composed demeanour on the carpet, the reaction online proved far less welcoming.

Social media users swiftly condemned the timing of her attendance, with one writing: "What the hell was Anna Wintour thinking?"

"Why did she even get an invitation?" another asked, as a third said: "Blake only cares about her image and being back in the spotlight.

"That dress was a statement piece that says 'how do I make the biggest entrance - a long and heavy train that gets noticed'."

Another called the actress's appearance "tone deaf".

However, fans of the star rushed to her defence. "Let her have some fun," one person posted, as another said: "I doubt anything Blake Lively could've done in this moment would make you happy, tbh." (sic).

GB News has reached out to Ms Lively's representatives for comment.