Blake Lively has been included in TIME magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People, a recognition that comes as she faces heightened public attention surrounding her ongoing legal dispute with It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni.
Lively, widely known for her roles in Gossip Girl, The Age of Adaline, and A Simple Favor, joins a list that features notable global figures across industries, including Scarlett Johansson, Snoop Dogg, and Ed Sheeran. While TIME’s annual list is often a celebration of cultural, political, and humanitarian contributions, this year’s inclusion of Lively arrives at a moment of controversy and scrutiny.
Contributing to the TIME profile was civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill, who described Lively as a “serious person” and “risk taker” in her social advocacy work. Ifill pointed to Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds’ outreach to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund back in 2019 as a moment that reflected a willingness to engage with deeper national issues. According to Ifill, the couple made a personal effort to understand racial justice concerns during a time of growing national dialogue.
Still, the context around Lively’s recognition has not gone unnoticed. In late 2024, she filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging misconduct on set, while Baldoni countersued in early 2025, alleging defamation and breach of contract. The legal case has drawn attention not only from fans but also from those within the entertainment industry, as reports of creative disputes and personal tension continue to surface.
Despite the ongoing legal situation, Lively’s public image has remained tied to both her career in film and her involvement in charitable efforts. While she has not been a consistent presence in high-profile activism, she and Reynolds have made periodic donations and statements addressing issues such as child welfare, education, and voting rights. Whether these efforts are part of a long-term personal mission or intermittent support remains a matter of interpretation.
TIME’s 2025 list has a broader theme of spotlighting individuals “reshaping the world,” particularly those involved in arts, politics, or social discourse. Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs noted that this year’s honorees include people tackling complex topics like voter suppression, police accountability, and democratic reform. Lively’s selection appears to align with the publication’s recognition of influence across a wide spectrum, though it does not explicitly link her to any specific activism campaign or legislative cause.
In the entertainment world, Lively remains a well-known figure with a steady career and strong brand visibility. Her inclusion in the TIME 100 list adds to an evolving narrative around celebrity impact, one that often blends career milestones with moments of personal turbulence.
As for what the recognition means for Lively moving forward, that remains uncertain. The TIME 100 list often serves as a snapshot of relevance more than a stamp of approval, and in Lively’s case, it reflects the complexity of maintaining public influence in the midst of professional and legal challenges.
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