The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art saw a familiar face tonight that many thought might never return. Blake Lively, 38, made a high-profile comeback at the 2026 Met Gala on Monday, May 4, appearing on the red carpet for the first time in four years.
The timing was as dramatic as her wardrobe choice; the appearance came just hours after it was officially announced that she had settled her long-running legal battle with Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios over the film It Ends With Us.
Walking into this year’s “Costume Art” themed event, Lively opted for a piece of fashion history, wearing an archival Atelier Versace gown from the spring 2006 collection. Her return to the spotlight follows a period of heavy legal scrutiny that began back in December 2024. The settlement, which was reached just two weeks before the case was scheduled to go to trial on May 18, brings an abrupt end to the litigation.
Earlier on Monday, a joint statement was released by Lively’s attorneys, Michael Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, alongside Wayfarer Studios’ lawyers, Bryan Freedman and Ellyn Garofalo. The statement signaled an end to the friction that has surrounded the production of the 2024 hit film.
“The end product — the movie It Ends With Us — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life,” the joint statement read. “Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind.”
The resolution appears to acknowledge the difficulties experienced during the film’s creation while seeking to move the public conversation away from the courtroom. “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments,” the statement continued. “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.”
Lively’s presence tonight marks her 10th appearance at the prestigious event, ending a hiatus that started after she co-chaired the gala in 2022 alongside her husband, Ryan Reynolds. That year, for the “Gilded Glamour” theme, she famously wore a transforming Atelier Versace gown inspired by the architecture of New York City and the patina of the Statue of Liberty.
She noted at the time that the dress featured 25 stones to represent the 25 windows of the statue, telling reporters she “looked to New York City architecture” rather than just fashion trends.
While tonight’s look was a pivot to archival “Costume Art,” the headlines surrounding her were focused as much on the legal closure as the couture. With the May 18 trial date now canceled, the actress appeared to use the gala as a definitive move into her next professional chapter.
Both legal teams confirmed that the settlement aims to provide a “respectful environment” for all parties moving forward.
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