Blake Lively, the acclaimed actress known for her role in Gossip Girl, has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people for 2025, marking a significant milestone in her career. The 37-year-old star, who is also making headlines for her heated legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, joins the ranks of renowned figures such as Scarlett Johansson, Joe Rogan, and Donald Trump on this prestigious list.
Lively’s recognition comes at a time when her public persona is being shaped by both her philanthropic efforts and the ongoing controversy surrounding her legal dispute with Baldoni. However, her recognition by TIME shines a spotlight on the positive aspects of her life and work.
In her profile for TIME, civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill spoke highly of Lively’s contributions outside the spotlight. Ifill, who has worked closely with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, shared that she had never watched Gossip Girl or been familiar with Lively’s glamorous red carpet persona. Instead, she highlighted Lively’s deep commitment to social issues and her efforts to understand the systemic problems facing the country.
“Ifill recalled that Lively, along with her husband Ryan Reynolds, reached out in 2019 to make a significant donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. ‘I had been getting a few of these calls, as our work fighting against voter suppression and police brutality was receiving national attention. I’m always curious about the kind of research famous people do before they make that cold call to offer their support. The ones I have remained in relationship with are those who, like Blake, really did their homework,’” Ifill said.
Ifill went on to praise Lively for her “sincere work to understand the conditions that shape this country” and her ability to connect on a genuine level with the causes she supports. This personal connection to her philanthropic efforts earned Lively a reputation as someone who truly strives to make a difference in the world.
Despite her growing recognition for her social activism, Lively is also embroiled in a legal dispute with Baldoni, stemming from their collaboration on the movie It Ends With Us. The conflict has taken a more personal turn with accusations from a crew member, Talia Spencer, who claimed that Lively mistook Baldoni’s kindness for weakness and attempted to take advantage of him in the process.
Spencer alleged, “I feel like maybe Blake smelled his kindness, mistook it for weakness, and tried to take advantage and take power.” This statement has added a layer of complexity to Lively’s legal battle, drawing attention to the tensions on set.
Despite these ongoing challenges, Lively’s inclusion in TIME’s 100 most influential people highlights her continued positive impact both on and off the screen. As she navigates her personal and professional life, Lively’s commitment to philanthropy and social change remains a key part of her legacy.
Her recognition serves as a reminder of the complex nature of fame and the balancing act that comes with being in the public eye. While Lively may face controversies, her efforts to use her platform for good continue to resonate with many, cementing her place as one of the most influential figures of 2025.
