New York, NY – Blake Lively delivered a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Willie Elain McAlpin, during the Time100 Gala in New York City. In a moving speech, Lively shared how her mother had survived a life-threatening attack before Lively was born. The actress expressed deep gratitude for her mother’s resilience and credited her survival to another woman’s harrowing story on the radio.
Lively, accompanied by her husband Ryan Reynolds, attended the prestigious event at Jazz at Lincoln Center as a nominee for Time100. Despite ongoing legal battles with her co-star and director Justin Baldoni from “It Ends With Us,” Lively used the platform to discuss the power of female resilience and triumph. She emphasized the importance of women supporting each other in times of adversity and highlighted the strength that emerges from overcoming challenges.
The actress revealed that she has faced hardships in the past two years but chose not to delve into specifics during the Time100 speech. Instead, Lively celebrated the resilience of women and acknowledged the collective strength present in the room. She encouraged women to persevere through pain and adversity, reminding them of their inherent ability to endure and thrive.
In a surprising turn, Lively also addressed the legal dispute with Baldoni, accusing him and his team of launching a smear campaign against her. The intricate legal battle between the two parties has been ongoing, with both sides presenting their arguments in court. Lively’s determination to seek justice and stand up against harassment in the industry has garnered attention and support from many in the entertainment community.
Lively’s poignant speech at the Time100 Gala underscored the importance of resilience, support, and triumph in the face of adversity. As she honored her mother’s strength and the unknown woman who saved her life, Lively’s words resonated with the audience and highlighted the power of storytelling in overcoming challenges. Despite the legal obstacles she faces, Lively remains steadfast in her commitment to ensuring a safe and equitable workplace for all individuals in the entertainment industry.