Blake Lively’s Time 100 Inclusion Amid Legal Drama: Is Time Magazine Taking Her Side?

Blake Lively’s inclusion in Time magazine’s 2025 Time 100 list has sparked both praise and controversy, especially given her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Listed in the Titans category alongside other influential figures like Serena Williams and Mark Zuckerberg, Lively’s recognition appears to be a celebration of her philanthropic work and social activism rather than an endorsement in her legal dispute.

Lively’s Philanthropy and Social Engagement

Time’s entry for Blake Lively, penned by civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill, focuses on the actress’s charitable contributions and activism. Notably, the piece highlights Lively’s $2 million donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in 2019, demonstrating her commitment to fighting voter suppression and police brutality. Ifill described Lively as “a serious person, a risk-taker, and committed to moving the country forward for future generations,” emphasizing her curiosity and research into national history to become a fully informed citizen.

This acknowledgment of Lively’s work in philanthropy and social justice is at the heart of her inclusion in the Time 100 list. The absence of any mention of her legal entanglements, particularly the lawsuit against Baldoni, raises questions about whether Time intentionally sidestepped the controversy in favor of highlighting her positive public contributions.

The Legal Dispute: A Legal Battle and Public Response

The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni began in December 2024, when Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her. Baldoni, in turn, countersued for defamation and extortion, seeking $400 million. The dispute has garnered substantial media attention, with a trial scheduled for March 9, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

While the legal battle continues, Time’s decision to omit any reference to it in their recognition of Lively appears intentional. Articles from outlets like The Daily Beast and E! Online note that Time’s entry “glaringly failed to mention” the ongoing lawsuit, which suggests that the magazine made a deliberate choice to focus on Lively’s contributions in other areas, such as her charitable donations and advocacy for social causes, rather than the legal controversy. This omission has led to speculation that Time magazine’s decision should not be interpreted as a commentary on the legal dispute but rather as a recognition of her broader influence in philanthropy.

Public and Media Reactions

Lively’s inclusion in Time 100 has elicited mixed reactions from the public and media. Supporters of Lively defend her inclusion, citing her dedication to social justice and her philanthropic efforts. Fox News reported that some fans viewed her recognition as well-deserved, focusing on her positive contributions to society. However, there have been critics, particularly from those who feel that her legal battle with Baldoni should have been acknowledged, as reported by Daily Mail. These detractors have labeled her inclusion as “embarrassing and disgusting,” arguing that it is difficult to overlook the ongoing legal issues.

Lively herself responded positively to the honor, sharing her appreciation on Instagram and thanking Time magazine and Sherrilyn Ifill for the recognition. She called the inclusion “surreal and meaningful,” emphasizing the importance of having “a voice.” Lively’s statement focused solely on the honor of being named to the Time 100 list and did not address the ongoing lawsuit or imply any influence on the legal proceedings.

The Absence of Baldoni’s Response

As of now, there has been no direct public reaction from Justin Baldoni regarding Lively’s inclusion in the Time 100 list. Articles covering the legal battle, including those from ABC News and BBC, do not mention Baldoni’s stance on the recognition. This lack of comment suggests that Baldoni may not see the Time 100 list as relevant to the legal dispute, reinforcing the idea that Time’s inclusion of Lively is not a statement regarding the lawsuit.

Comparative Analysis

Time magazine’s approach to recognizing influential figures amid controversy is not without precedent. Over the years, the publication has included individuals who have faced public scrutiny, focusing instead on their positive contributions to society and their spheres of influence. Lively’s inclusion, despite her ongoing legal issues, aligns with Time’s focus on individuals who have had a substantial impact through their actions, even if those actions are not entirely without controversy.

In the case of Lively, Time appears to have chosen to prioritize her work in philanthropy and activism over the legal challenges she is currently facing. This highlights the magazine’s criteria for the Time 100 list, which centers on influence and societal impact rather than personal disputes or legal battles.

Conclusion: A Recognition of Influence, Not Legal Stance

In conclusion, Time magazine’s inclusion of Blake Lively in its 2025 Time 100 list should be seen as a recognition of her significant influence in areas like philanthropy and social justice, not as a stance in her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni. While the omission of the legal drama may raise eyebrows, it is consistent with Time’s focus on an individual’s public impact rather than personal controversies. As the legal proceedings unfold, Lively’s continued work in social activism and her public voice will likely remain the focal point of her public recognition, as evidenced by her recent honor.