A Sister’s Unwavering Support
Robyn Lively has broken her silence about her younger sister Blake Lively’s moving speech at the TIME100 Gala, where the Gossip Girl star alluded to her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni while honoring their mother’s resilience.
In an exclusive conversation at iHeartRadio’s 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango in California on May 10, Robyn, 53, didn’t hold back her admiration for Blake, 37.
“Very proud. Just so you know, very proud,” Robyn told PEOPLE, with her husband, actor Bart Johnson, echoing the sentiment. “Super proud,” Johnson, 54, added, as Robyn emphasized, “To say we’re proud is an understatement.”
The couple attended the star-studded music festival alongside their daughter, Kate Johnson, showing their united front in support of Blake during what has been a tumultuous period for the actress.
Blake’s Emotional TIME100 Speech
Blake was honored as one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on April 24, delivering a poignant speech at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. While she didn’t directly name Baldoni, she referenced the past two years of her life—a clear nod to her legal battle—before shifting focus to the power of women’s voices.
“I have so much to say about the last two years of my life, but tonight is not the forum,” Blake said. Instead, she spoke about “the feeling of being a woman who has a voice today” and paid tribute to her mother, Elaine McAlpin, whom she credited as the most influential person in her life.
In a deeply personal revelation, Blake shared that her mother had survived a near-fatal attack by a work acquaintance when she was a young mother of three.
“My mom never got justice from her work acquaintance who attempted to take her life when she was the mother of three young kids years before I was born,” Blake said. She explained that her mother was saved after hearing another woman bravely share her own survival story on the radio.
“The woman painfully and graphically shared how she escaped. And because of hearing that woman speak about her experience instead of shutting down in fear and unfair shame, my mom is alive today. She was saved by a woman whose name she’ll never know.”
The emotional moment underscored Blake’s belief in the importance of speaking out—a theme that resonates with her current legal battle.
The Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni
Blake’s “last two years” remark directly alludes to her lawsuit against Baldoni, her It Ends With Us co-star and director. In December 2024, she filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a retaliatory smear campaign against her.
Baldoni, 41, denied the allegations and countersued Blake, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane for $400 million, claiming defamation, civil extortion, and conspiracy.
The legal battle is set to go to trial in March 2026, with both parties expected to testify.
“Yes,” Blake’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, confirmed when asked if she would take the stand. “The ultimate moment for a plaintiff’s story to be told is at trial. We expect that to be the case here. So we would, of course, expect her to be a witness at her trial. Of course she’s going to testify.”
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, also confirmed his client would testify.
Blake’s Message on Influence & Responsibility
Beyond the legal drama, Blake used her TIME100 platform to reflect on the power of influence—especially in an era where outrage often dominates discourse.
“It’s surreal and deeply significant to be an honoree in a time where the most valuable currency seems to be anger,” she said. “It feels like an act of defiance to commune and celebrate all the good that is alive in the world.”
She emphasized that “who and what we stand up for, and what we stay silent about, what we monetize versus what we actually live, matters.”
Her words struck a chord, resonating with women who have faced similar struggles—just as her mother did decades ago.
Robyn & Bart’s Unwavering Support
Robyn and Bart’s public backing of Blake highlights the tight-knit bond in the Lively family. Robyn, who has been in the entertainment industry for decades, understands the challenges of navigating Hollywood while staying true to one’s values.
“That’s a tough thing to navigate, so we’re proud,” Bart said, with Robyn nodding in agreement. Their presence at Wango Tango—a high-energy event featuring performances by Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, and T-Pain—showed they were there to celebrate life despite the ongoing legal storm.
What’s Next?
With the trial still nearly two years away, Blake remains focused on her career and family. She is set to star in It Ends With Us (2026), which Baldoni is directing—though production dynamics may shift as the legal battle unfolds.
Meanwhile, Robyn continues to act, recently appearing in Miranda’s Victim (2023), while Bart is known for his role in the High School Musical franchise.
Final Thoughts
Blake’s TIME100 speech was more than just an acceptance moment—it was a declaration of resilience, a tribute to her mother’s strength, and a subtle but powerful statement about her own fight for justice.
As Robyn and Bart proudly stand by her side, one thing is clear: The Lively family doesn’t back down from a challenge.