Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, two of Hollywood’s most beloved power couples, will be noticeably absent from the 2025 Met Gala. An exclusive source confirmed to PEOPLE that the couple will not attend the prestigious fashion event this year, marking their continued absence since their co-chairing duties in 2022. Although the Met Gala is known for its star-studded guest list, Lively and Reynolds will not be participating this time around, despite their past influential roles at the event. This decision comes as a surprise, considering Lively’s significant impact on the gala’s fashion moments, such as her unforgettable gown in 2022.
The 2025 Met Gala: A New Theme and Vision
The 2025 Met Gala promises to be a groundbreaking event with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The theme, as previously revealed by Vogue, will explore the evolution of Black dandyism and the unique fashion contributions of Black men over centuries. Curated by Monica L. Miller, a renowned scholar, the exhibit will feature a blend of garments, paintings, and photographs that explore the styling of Black men from the 18th century through present-day fashion. This theme marks an important and timely exploration of Black identity and style, honoring the cultural significance of fashion in the African diaspora.
The exhibit’s inspiration comes from Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, which examines the intersection of fashion and Black culture. Miller will collaborate with Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute Curator in Charge, to curate a show that examines the role of Black men in shaping modern fashion trends. With the theme focusing on Black dandyism and tailoring, the 2025 Met Gala will celebrate the elegance and stylistic innovation of Black culture, setting the stage for a truly historic and thought-provoking event.
Lively and Reynolds’ Past Met Gala Moments: A Glimpse into Their Fashion Legacy
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have long been icons at the Met Gala, with their 2022 appearance being a standout moment. In 2022, Lively, who was co-chair alongside Reynolds, made her 10th Met Gala appearance, stunning onlookers in an unforgettable Atelier Versace gown. The gown featured a reversible train that Lively dramatically flipped halfway up the iconic Met steps, revealing a stunning aqua side that cascaded behind her. This jaw-dropping moment was not just a fashion statement, but a tribute to the aging patina of copper, referencing the Statue of Liberty’s greenish hue over time.
Reynolds complemented Lively’s look with a classic velvet tuxedo and white bow tie, keeping his look simple but refined. Their appearance that year was especially memorable due to their roles as co-chairs of the event, where they helped set the tone for the “Gilded Glamour” theme. Lively’s effortless elegance, combined with Reynolds’ timeless style, solidified their place as one of the most glamorous couples to ever grace the Met Gala. Lively’s previous solo appearances, such as in 2018, where she donned a dramatic halo and a custom Versace gown, further showcased her undeniable impact on the fashion world.
Despite their remarkable past appearances, Lively and Reynolds will not attend the 2025 Met Gala, a decision that follows significant personal and professional events. This news arrives amid Lively’s ongoing legal battle, which has garnered widespread attention. The couple’s absence from the Met Gala this year may reflect a desire for privacy as they navigate the complexities of the situation.
The Ongoing Legal Battle: A Shifting Focus
Blake Lively’s absence from the 2025 Met Gala comes at a turbulent time in her career and personal life. In December 2024, Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against director and co-star Justin Baldoni, as well as the producers of It Ends With Us, the movie that premiered in August 2024. The lawsuit claims inappropriate behavior on set, which has led to significant public scrutiny and legal proceedings. As a result, Lively and Reynolds have become entangled in a complex legal situation that has shifted their focus away from public events like the Met Gala.
In response to Lively’s allegations, Baldoni filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against the actress, Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloane, and Sloane’s PR firm, Vision PR Inc. Additionally, Baldoni filed a lawsuit against The New York Times for its reporting on the allegations, further complicating the legal landscape for both parties. With these ongoing lawsuits and the intense media attention surrounding the case, it seems that Lively and Reynolds have chosen to prioritize their legal affairs over attending the glamorous fashion event.
The couple’s decision to skip the 2025 Met Gala, amid such personal turmoil, underscores their desire to focus on resolving their legal issues privately. While they have remained largely silent on the matter, their absence from the event speaks volumes about the challenges they are currently facing. The 2025 Met Gala will undoubtedly carry on without the couple’s iconic presence, but it’s clear that Lively and Reynolds are navigating a pivotal moment in both their personal and professional lives.
