Blake Lively made her return to the talk show scene on Thursday night, appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers for the first time since her highly public legal conflict with actor-director Justin Baldoni began.
While she dazzled in a chic white layered dress and a halfway updo, what really had fans talking was what she wasn’t wearing: her wedding ring.
Instead, she opted for a bold cocktail ring on her left hand’s middle finger, something she’s been known to do from time to time.
Reflecting on a Tumultuous Year
During the show, Lively got candid.
She talked about how the past year has brought some incredible highs and deep lows, especially with her ongoing legal battle.
While she didn’t directly name Baldoni, she alluded to the lawsuit when Meyers mentioned her current situation, suggesting she may be limited in what she can say publicly.
Blake responded thoughtfully, saying, “What I can say is that this year has had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
I see so many women who are afraid to speak up, and fear is by design.
That fear keeps us quiet.”
Her Kids Have Been Her Anchor
Despite the chaos, Blake spoke lovingly about her children.
She and Ryan Reynolds share four kids: James, Inez, Betty, and little Olin.
She called them her “lifeline” during what she described as a very intense year.
“No matter what kind of day I’m having, I have to be Disneyland for them,” she joked.
Her youngest son, she added sweetly, tells her she’s the love of his life.
A Hint of Humor Amidst the Tension
Blake lightened the mood when she and Seth got to talking about her new movie, Another Simple Favor.
Seth teased whether her husband’s Aviation Gin made it into the film.
Turns out, it didn’t — director Paul Feig’s gin brand was featured instead.
Blake quipped about having a talk with Ryan about it.
She also got laughs when she admitted she loves putting ice in everything, even milk.
Filming Adventures and Pizza Debates
They wrapped up the segment by chatting about her time filming in Italy and playing host to co-star Michele Morrone in New York.
She even bought him a giant Parmesan shaker!
The two joked about his dislike for honey on pizza.
Blake’s sister Robyn and mom Elaine were in the audience, and Seth kept the fun going by taking audience questions during the commercial break.
Legal Storm Brewing Behind the Scenes
Outside of the glitz and glam, Blake’s legal troubles with Justin Baldoni are heating up.
She has accused him of sexual harassment during filming and claimed he launched a smear campaign against her.
Baldoni, in turn, is suing Blake and Ryan for a whopping $400 million, alleging defamation and attempts to sabotage the project.
Court documents now show that Lively has been subpoenaed, with her legal team being asked to turn over emails and texts related to the film.
Some of her allegations have come under scrutiny, including one where she said Baldoni nuzzled her neck.
Audio from that scene later revealed they were discussing her self-tanner, not anything inappropriate.
A Celebrity Web of Subpoenas and Silence
It’s not just Blake and Ryan under the microscope.
Reports suggest that Hugh Jackman and even Taylor Swift — once Blake’s close friend — could be drawn into the legal mess.
The rumor mill kicked into overdrive last week when Swift’s boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, unfollowed Reynolds on social media.
The once-tight relationship between the two celebrity couples seems to be cooling fast.
What’s Next?
With a court date set for March 2026, the drama is far from over.
But for now, Blake is staying in the spotlight, balancing public appearances, parenting, and a very public legal battle with grace and a touch of her trademark humor.
Stay tuned — there’s likely more to come.