The Truth About Blake Lively’s Met Gala Appearance: Was She Invited? Who Was Her Date? And More Revealed

There are lots of rumors swirling around about Blake Lively‘s appearance at the 2026 Met Gala and it’s time to debunk what is being said.

The actress appeared on the red carpet just hours after it was announced that she settled her years-long legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. The timing led people to wonder if Blake decided to show up at the last minute, now that her legal drama was over.

Well, that’s not true.

When did Blake Lively decide to attend the Met Gala and who invited her?

TMZ reports that Blake‘s “presence had been planned for weeks, as she was an invited guest by Anna Wintour.”

The outlet also reported that Blake was going to attend the Met Gala whether the case was settled or not. It was not a last minute decision for her to attend. She also didn’t have to buy her way into the event, as some are claiming on social media.

Blake also had a full feature with Vogue that was ready in advance of her appearance, further proving that she was going to attend the event no matter what.

This is Blake‘s first appearance at the Met Gala since 2022 and she has attended the event 10 times in the past!

What did Blake Lively wear to the Met Gala 2026?

Blake chose an archival Versace dress with a Judith Leiber bag and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

“It’s an honor to attend with Donatella, one that I don’t take lightly,” she told Vogue. “I haven’t been since giving birth to my fourth child. Every year I am a different version of myself than the last, so to be able to stand in the version of myself that I am today—and all the experiences I‘ve had—in strength and confidence is important to me. So is staying home on the couch with my kids in pajamas. Getting to do both is an honor I will never stop being grateful for.”

Who was Blake Lively’s date at Met Gala 2022?

Blake‘s husband Ryan Reynolds was not in attendance with her this year.

Blake attended the gala with her cousin, William Blake McAlpin, who was seen carrying the train of her dress. In a post on her Instagram Stories, she called him her “sweet angel gorgeous cousin.”

William is a model who is represented by State Management and Eric Cano Management, according to his Instagram profile.

See more photos in the gallery!

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