Megyn Kelly publicly criticized actress Blake Lively on Thursday during the TIME100 Gala in New York City, following Lively’s recognition as one of Time Magazine’s “Most Influential People” of the year.

Speaking to the Daily Mail from the event’s red carpet, Kelly dismissed Lively’s inclusion on the list, saying, “It’s a ridiculous joke. She shouldn’t be here. She has no influence over anything.”

Kelly’s remarks referenced an ongoing legal dispute between Lively and actor-director Justin Baldoni, her co-star in the upcoming film It Ends With Us.

The political commentator accused Lively of launching what she described as a “fake MeToo allegation” against Baldoni.

“She’s lived to regret doing it because virtually every allegation she has made has fallen apart,” Kelly said.

“And so for her to be honored for doing that, to try to ruin a man over absolutely nothing, is a scandal.”

Kelly, 54, also questioned the motives behind Lively’s recognition, suggesting the magazine was more interested in celebrity exposure than substance.

“Obviously, [Time is] looking for big stars to come here and generate pages on their magazines, but that was very wrong.”

Kelly joked about possibly spotting Lively and Meghan Markle at the event from afar.

“I have a feeling [Lively is] going to be avoiding me,” she said.

“I won’t be avoiding anybody. I’m good.”

Blake Lively, 37, arrived at the event in an off-the-shoulder Zuhair Murad gown.

She was accompanied by her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, and her mother, Elaine.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds arrive to #Time100 in NYC. pic.twitter.com/xQuX93TkUg

— E! News (@enews) April 25, 2025

Reynolds had spoken the previous day at the Time100 Summit.

Lively’s inclusion on the TIME100 list was praised by civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill, who described the actress as “a philanthropist and a student of our country’s most intractable problems.”

In her written statement, Ifill noted that Lively and Reynolds had reached out in 2019 to support the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

“I’m always curious about the kind of research famous people do before they make that cold call to offer their support,” Ifill said.

“The ones I have remained in relationship with are those who, like Blake, really did their homework.”

Despite the recognition, Lively’s legal dispute with Baldoni has continued to generate backlash.

In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment during the filming of It Ends With Us.

She also alleged that Baldoni and his associates engaged in a campaign to damage her reputation.

Baldoni, 41, has denied the allegations. He responded with a $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane.

The legal battle is scheduled for trial in March 2026.

The controversy surrounding Lively’s inclusion in the TIME100 has led to divided reactions online.

Critics on social media have accused the actress of manipulating her narrative for personal gain.

“Blake Lively is not ‘influential’ – she’s a manipulative, conniving bully,” one user posted in response to the announcement.

Another wrote, “Only in Hollywood can being a liar land you on a ‘Most Influential’ list.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, public opinion remains sharply divided, with both Lively and Baldoni maintaining their respective positions through their legal teams.