Megyn Kelly attends the 2025 TIME100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 24, 2025 in New York City. <span class="image-caption-credit"> (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME)</span>
Megyn Kelly Criticizes Blake Lively’s TIME100 Selection: ‘She Has No Influence’
In a dramatic confrontation at the prestigious TIME100 Gala, journalist Megyn Kelly publicly criticized Blake Lively’s inclusion in TIME Magazine’s annual list of most influential people, sparking a heated debate about celebrity influence and accountability in Hollywood.
The Controversial Selection
The announcement of Blake Lively’s inclusion in TIME Magazine’s prestigious list of 100 most influential people has sparked significant debate within the entertainment industry. The selection raised eyebrows particularly due to Lively’s recent headlines focusing more on her legal battle with Justin Baldoni rather than her professional work or activism.
Kelly’s Scathing Critique
“It’s a ridiculous joke. She shouldn’t be here. She has no influence over anything.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail on the red carpet at Thursday’s event, Megyn Kelly didn’t mince words about Lively’s selection. The veteran journalist further criticized TIME’s decision, suggesting it was driven more by publicity than merit.
The Baldoni Controversy
Kelly’s criticism centered heavily on Lively’s ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, with the journalist claiming that “virtually every allegation she has made has fallen apart.” Kelly argued that honoring someone amidst such controversy undermines the credibility of TIME’s influential list.
Social Media Backlash
The controversy quickly spread to social media, where opinions were sharply divided. Some users supported Kelly’s stance, with one Page Six-quoted comment stating, “Blake Lively is not ‘influential’ — she’s a manipulative, conniving bully.” Others defended Lively’s selection, pointing to her broader impact on popular culture and women’s empowerment.
Lively’s Response
During her speech at the Jazz at Lincoln Center, Lively addressed the controversy indirectly, focusing instead on “the feeling of being a woman who has a voice today.” She made a powerful connection to her mother’s experiences, referencing “the worst crime someone can commit against a woman,” which many interpreted as a subtle response to her critics.
The Broader Debate
This controversy has ignited a larger discussion about the criteria for influence in today’s media landscape. Kelly’s criticism of TIME’s selection process suggests a growing divide between traditional measures of influence and modern celebrity impact. The debate continues to evolve, promising to spark further conversation about the intersection of celebrity, influence, and accountability in contemporary culture.
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