Controversy Erupts as Blake Lively Shares Her Mother’s Sexual Assault Experience at TIME100 Gala in New York City, Sparking PR Stunt Allegations

Blake Lively’s recent appearance at the TIME100 Gala sparked a wave of criticism when she shared her mother’s traumatic past during her speech.

Some fans accused her of using the story as a public relations stunt, especially given the sensitive nature of the revelation.

Lively’s Speech and the Personal Story

At the prestigious event held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, the 37-year-old actress, who was named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people, delivered a heartfelt speech.

However, her words quickly became the subject of intense debate.

In a video shared on social media, Lively spoke about her mother, Willie Elaine McAlpin, and the painful experience of surviving an assault by a coworker.

Lively began her speech by noting that, while she had much to say about the last two years of her life, she chose not to address those matters publicly that evening.

Instead, she focused on the power of women’s voices.

She credited her mother for shaping her life, stating that McAlpin’s survival of the crime that “someone can commit against a woman” deeply influenced her.

The actress also highlighted her mother’s lack of justice, as the perpetrator of the crime never faced any consequences.

A Powerful Moment, But Controversial Timing

Blake then shared how her mother’s life was saved after hearing another woman share her own survival story on the radio.

McAlpin was inspired to act, breaking free from fear and shame, thanks to the courage of this stranger.

Lively emphasized that womanhood, in its deepest sense, is about solidarity and showing others how to survive both literally and emotionally.

However, the timing of the speech raised eyebrows.

Lively’s connection to trauma through her mother’s story felt like a direct contrast to her earlier promotion of the movie It Ends With Us, a film about domestic violence.

Critics pointed out her silence on the subject during the film’s promotional campaign, questioning why she hadn’t spoken out about domestic violence at that time.

Criticism and Calls for Consistency

Social media users were quick to voice their frustrations, with some accusing Lively of exploiting her mother’s painful story for personal gain.

One user pointed out her failure to mention domestic violence during the It Ends With Us promotional tour, despite the film’s focus on an abusive relationship.

Another comment criticized her for using her mother’s rape survival story as a way to align herself with the #MeToo movement, while still being unable to publicly discuss the sensitive topic when it mattered most in the context of her own career.

A Speech Amid Legal Battles

Blake also addressed the legal turmoil surrounding her ongoing lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director in It Ends With Us.

Despite stating she wouldn’t speak about the case at the gala, her comments about women’s suffering and survival were perceived by some as a subtle dig at Baldoni, adding fuel to the fire of their contentious legal battle.

The legal drama surrounding Lively and Baldoni has been escalating, with accusations from both sides, including a defamation suit filed by Baldoni and his production company.

As the legal issues unfold, Lively’s speech at the gala seemed to add another layer to the already complicated narrative.

Megyn Kelly’s Fierce Criticism

The red carpet event became even more heated when conservative journalist Megyn Kelly voiced her outrage over Lively’s inclusion in the TIME100 list.

Kelly, who had previously criticized Lively’s public battle with Baldoni, called the actress’s claims of sexual harassment “a ridiculous joke.”

According to Kelly, Lively’s accusations against Baldoni were baseless and designed to ruin his reputation.

The tension between the two escalated as Kelly accused Lively of misusing the #MeToo movement to further her own agenda.

Fashion and Final Remarks

Despite the controversy surrounding her speech, Blake Lively made an impression with her stunning red off-the-shoulder gown, while her mother, Willie, looked elegant in a black flapper-inspired dress.

Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, donned a classic tuxedo.

During the gala, Lively concluded her speech by acknowledging the importance of using influence responsibly.

She emphasized that how we use our power—what we stand up for, and what we stay silent about—matters greatly.

Lively also thanked the kind men in her life, including her husband, and recognized the struggles of marginalized communities fighting for safety.

While the evening was filled with applause and admiration from some, the surrounding controversies about her speech, legal battles, and the use of her mother’s story will likely continue to fuel public debate.