Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Decoding Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ Time100 Gala Exchange
At the recent Time100 Gala, a seemingly private conversation between Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds captured attention. A lip reader has now revealed details of their exchange during the Time100 gala, providing insight into their dynamic before Lively’s speech that alluded to her legal dispute with Justin Baldoni and shared the story of her mom’s assault.
Lip Reader Reveals Intimate Dialogue
According to expert Nicola Hickling, founder of LipReader.co.uk, Reynolds reportedly told Lively, “I should be there, I need to shine right now.” He then purportedly added, “You need to understand what I am saying to you right now.”
In response, Lively placed her hand on Reynolds’ cheek and requested, “Kiss me one more time.”
A brief kiss followed before Lively delivered her highly anticipated speech, as documented in video footage obtained by Page Six.
Reynolds’ Reaction to Lively’s Speech
Lively expressed gratitude during her speech, thanking “every man, including my sweet husband [Ryan], who are kind and good when no one is watching.”
Reynolds commented on Lively’s address while attending a Parkinson’s charity panel in New York City. “I’m incredibly in awe of my wife in many ways,” he told People, despite maintaining a stoic demeanor at the Time100 event.
Body Language Analysis: Power Dynamics on Display?
Body language specialist Judi James suggested to DailyMail.com that the couple’s interactions pointed to power dynamics and possible tension. James observed that Lively appeared to take charge on the red carpet, guiding Reynolds into the desired positions.
“Blake quite happily lets us know via her pointing and shrugging that she’s openly keen to get her reluctant-looking husband to pose solo,” James noted, indicating Lively’s assertive behavior.
Background on Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ Relationship
Ryan and Blake’s relationship began in 2011, leading to their marriage the following year. They have four children: James, Inez, Betty, and Olin.
Controversy Surrounding Lively’s Speech
Lively’s speech, however, sparked contention. While recognized as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential individuals, her remarks about her mother’s trauma drew criticism, labeled by some as a “PR move” amid her legal issues.
Lively’s Account of Her Mother’s Experience
During her address, Lively referenced her mother’s experience as a survivor of assault by a coworker.
“I have so much to say about the last two years of my life, but tonight is not the forum,” Lively stated, alluding to her ongoing legal clash with Baldoni. Instead, she chose to speak about “the feeling of being a woman who has a voice today.”
Lively credited her mother, Willie Elaine McAlpin, who attended the event with Lively’s husband Ryan, as a major influence.
She revealed that her mother had survived “the worst crime someone can commit against a woman,” sharing that her mother never received justice from her attacker decades ago. Lively highlighted the importance of women sharing their experiences, recounting how a woman on the radio saved her mother’s life by detailing her own escape from a similar situation.
Lively characterized womanhood as “a pact that privately we must show others how to survive, literally or spiritually.” She also addressed the harsh realities women face regarding safety in various environments.
She concluded by thanking her husband and expressing solidarity with those fighting for safety across diverse communities.
Criticism and Backlash
Critics questioned Lively’s timing and motives, particularly concerning her prior involvement in promoting “It Ends With Us,” a film addressing domestic violence. Some highlighted perceived inconsistencies in her stance.
- ‘Oh so now she is using her Mother’s SA to be likable??? But in August she didn’t mention DV when promoting a movie about DV. Interesting…’ one person wrote.
- ‘Blake Lively used her Time100 speech to reveal her mother is a rape survivor—an obvious PR move to align with SA victims. Yet, with that personal connection to trauma, she still couldn’t figure out how to market a movie about DV? What’s next for her, a Peace Nobel Prize?’ another added.
- ‘Incredible how Blake Lively claims she’s not going to speak on her legal mess with Justin Baldoni—yet still manages to stain his name by casually tying him to a speech about rape and shame!’
Further criticism questioned the timing of her speech relative to her film promotion and the decision to share her mother’s personal story at this juncture.
- ‘Why wasn’t she having these speeches when she was promoting the movie?? Instead she was promoting alcohol and naming drinks after the characters. don’t understand why they keep giving her a platform.’
- ‘My mom is a victim so I know suffering too? What is the point in telling mom’s story?’ another person questioned.
Additional Remarks from Lively’s Speech
Lively also reflected on being an honoree, stressing the importance of standing up for what matters and prioritizing genuine values over mere monetization. She emphasized that “How we use that matters. Who and what we stand up for, and what we stay silent about, what we monetize versus what we actually live, matters.”
Gala Fashion and Appearance
Blake graced the event in a striking red gown, while her mother wore a flapper-style black dress. Ryan complemented their attire in a classic tuxedo.
Megyn Kelly’s Critique of Lively
Megyn Kelly openly criticized Lively’s inclusion on the Most Influential People list, voicing her discontent and alleging that Lively had “bastardiz[ed] Me Too allegations” in her legal battle against Baldoni.
“It’s a ridiculous joke. She shouldn’t be here,” Kelly asserted.
She added, “I think [Blake has] launched a fake Me Too allegation against [Justin], and she’s lived to regret doing it, because virtually every allegation she has made has fallen apart. So for her to be honored for doing that, to try to ruin a man over absolutely nothing, is a scandal.”
Developments in Lively and Baldoni’s Legal Dispute
The red carpet feud coincides with new filings in the legal battle, including accusations of leaked text messages and defamation lawsuits involving Lively, Baldoni, and various parties.
A trial is anticipated in March 2026.