Megyn Kelly slams Blake Lively’s TIME100 recognition, accuses her of spreading ‘baseless’ claims against Justin Baldoni

At this year’s glamorous TIME100 Gala held in New York City, outspoken political commentator Megyn Kelly didn’t hold back when questioned about actress Blake Lively’s inclusion among TIME Magazine’s most influential figures. Kelly, who is always known for her unapologetic takes, sharply criticized Lively’s place on the prestigious list, dismissing it as little more than a publicity stunt aimed at drawing star power.
In remarks reported by Hindustan Times, Kelly described Lively’s recognition as “laughable” and “completely undeserved.” She alleged that the 'Gossip Girl' star was celebrated not for genuine influence but simply because of her celebrity status. “She’s famous that is sure but that doesn’t make her influential,” Kelly asserted. She went further blasting Lively over her controversial and highly disputed accusations against her 'It Ends With Us' co-star Justin Baldoni, labeling them as “fake MeToo claims” that ultimately crumbled under scrutiny.
“These were flimsy accusations that collapsed when examined. Honoring her for that? It’s a disgrace” Kelly said. She suggested that TIME Magazine prioritized glitz over integrity, accusing the publication of chasing headlines rather than acknowledging real merit. “They want the big names to generate excitement for the magazine but choosing Blake Lively for this list is a serious misstep,” she added.
The drama quickly spilled onto social media platforms where unexpectedly the public sentiment leaned heavily toward Kelly’s side. Viral posts on X (formerly Twitter) hailed Kelly’s candor with users praising her for “saying what everyone else was thinking.” One popular comment joked that Kelly had “done a drive-by” on the red carpet while Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds were still present, adding fuel to rumors of behind-the-scenes tensions.
Another user wrote, “Blake Lively bought that award plain and simple. It’s all damage control for past scandals” referring to the lingering backlash over Lively and Reynolds’ controversial plantation wedding. Many commended Kelly’s fearlessness asserting that she was the only prominent figure willing to confront the uncomfortable truth publicly.
As the fallout continues, it's clear that Kelly’s remarks have struck a nerve not just within the entertainment industry but among everyday observers who are questioning what true influence really means. Whether Blake Lively responds remains to be seen but for now Kelly has certainly seized the narrative with her bold critique.