Watch: Was Blake Lively Invited to Met Gala 2026 by Anna Wintour? The Truth
You know you love Blake Lively at the Met Gala.
That’s why the Gossip Girl alum was on the guest list at this year’s fashion fundraiser, contrary to rumors that she had paid her way into New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4. (Click here to see all the celebrity arrivals.)
A source with knowledge told E! News Blake was an invited guest of Vogue and Anna Wintour, who co-chaired the exclusive event alongside Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams.
Nonetheless, Blake’s appearance at the star-studded bash was a surprise to some. After all, the 38-year-old announced that she had reached a settlement deal in her yearlong legal battle against It Ends With Us costar Justin Baldoni just hours before hitting the red carpet.
“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,” her legal team and Justin’s counsel said in a joint statement to NBC News. “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 lawyers said they “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,” their statement added. “It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment.”
Though Blake’s husband Ryan Reynolds did not attend the 2026 Met Gala, it was still a family affair, with the A Simple Favor actress’ cousin William McAlpin serving as her plus-one and helping her with the train of her Versace ball gown on the steps of the museum.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Blake completed her look—which featured lavender crystals and Venetian Rococo-inspired hues on the skirt of her dress—with a purse that paid homage to her and Ryan’s kids James, 11, Inez, 9, Betty, 6, and Olin, 3.
“This is a Judith Leiber bag,” she told Vogue, “and we were trying to find a piece of famous iconic art to put on and make it look like it’s in a frame.”
“I said, ‘If you’re gonna do it custom, can you do my kids’ art?’ So my kids each painted a watercolor painting,” Blake continued. “Each of my four kids did this. Isn’t that special? So, I have them with me.”
To see more celebs at the Met Gala, read on.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Matt Crossick/PA Images via Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Matt Baron/Shutterstock
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
David Fisher/Shutterstock
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Head to E! Online for every must-see moment from the Met Gala 2026.
