On a radiant evening in New York, actress Blake Lively graced the annual Time100 Gala alongside her spouse Ryan Reynolds. Honored as one of the "Most Influential People of 2025" by Time magazine, Lively delivered an impassioned speech reflecting on personal challenges and broader societal issues. This public appearance comes amidst her ongoing legal disputes with director Justin Baldoni over allegations of sexual harassment. Although she refrained from explicitly addressing these controversies during the gala, her remarks carried profound undertones about resilience, women's rights, and the importance of speaking out.

In a heartfelt address, Lively shared insights into her journey over the past two years, acknowledging that while this was not the venue for detailed discussions about recent events, her voice resonated strongly on behalf of women everywhere. With grace and poignancy, she recounted a story about her mother Elaine McAlpin surviving trauma thanks to hearing another woman's tale of survival on a radio broadcast. Through this narrative, Lively underscored the power of storytelling and its capacity to inspire courage among survivors.

Expanding upon themes of empowerment, Lively quoted fellow honoree Gisèle Pelicot, emphasizing how shame should rest solely with perpetrators rather than victims. Her discourse highlighted alarming realities faced by young women today—unsafe environments ranging from workplaces to digital spaces—and called for systemic change. Additionally, she extended gratitude towards compassionate men like her husband who uphold integrity even under scrutiny.

Beyond accolades, Thursday night symbolized more than just recognition; it served as a platform for meaningful advocacy. By weaving personal anecdotes with universal truths, Blake Lively illuminated paths toward healing and justice. As attendees listened intently—including notable figures such as Demi Moore, Gayle King, and Serena Williams—they bore witness to both an individual triumph and a collective call to action.