Los Angeles, California – Actress Blake Lively made a powerful revelation at the Time100 Gala, sharing a touching story about her mother’s past trauma in the face of adversity. Lively disclosed that her mother, Willie Elain McAlpin, had been a survivor of a harrowing assault that happened years before Lively was born.
During her acceptance speech at the gala, Lively expressed her admiration for her mother’s courage and resilience in overcoming such a traumatic event. She highlighted the importance of survivors sharing their stories to inspire and support others who may be going through similar hardships.
Lively also recounted how her mother’s life was saved by another assault survivor whose story she had heard on the radio. The impact of this woman’s experience drove Lively’s mother to fight for her life and ultimately survive the ordeal.
In a poignant moment, Lively reflected on the invisible bonds of female strength that connect women who have faced adversity and oppression. She emphasized the need for solidarity and support among women to navigate through difficult times.
The actress paid tribute to fellow Time100 Honoree Gisèle Pelicot, recognizing her bravery in seeking justice and speaking out against her abusers. Lively’s acknowledgment of Pelicot’s courage underscored the importance of standing up against injustice and empowering survivors of assault.
While Lively did not directly address the ongoing feud with Justin Baldoni, she hinted at the challenges she has faced in the past few years. The suit filed by Lively against Baldoni alleging harassment and defamation has been a source of tension between the two public figures.
Despite the controversies surrounding her, Lively’s emotional tribute to her mother and fellow honorees at the gala highlighted the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity. Her heartfelt message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the power of support and solidarity in overcoming challenges.