Celebrity
Blake Lively Met Gala 2026: Viral Dress Drama & Controversy
On Monday night, fashion icon Blake Lively made a stunning, surprise appearance at the 2026 Met Gala, instantly becoming the center of social media conversation.
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
While Blake has been a staple of the Met steps for years, this recent outing marks her highly anticipated return to the event for the first time since 2022.
Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty Images
Blake’s high-profile attendance comes just hours after news broke that she had officially reached a settlement with her It Ends With Us costar and director, Justin Baldoni, following more than a year of intense legal disputes and production rumors.
Nicole Rivelli /© Sony Pictures Releasing /Courtesy Everett Collection
“We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online,” read a joint statement released by legal representatives for both Blake and Justin.
Aligning with this year’s prestigious Met theme, Costume Art, Blake stunned in an archival Versace gown featuring a massive, intricate train. The look was reportedly inspired by 18th-century Venetian Rococo paintings, blending historical art with modern glamour.
Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Given the complexity of the garment, it appears Blake was understandably meticulous about how the fabric was positioned behind her as she posed for the global press on the iconic museum steps.
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
In a now-viral video that has already surpassed 13 million views on Instagram, Blake is seen directing the assistants helping with her train. She pauses, holds up her hand, and seemingly requests that the heavy fabric be allowed to trail naturally behind her rather than being carried.
Vogue / Via youtube.com
After the brief exchange, Blake turns back to the cameras and effortlessly continues her ascent up the stairs. You can view the full interaction for yourself right here.
Vogue / Via youtube.com
The clip quickly circulated online with snarky captions, such as, “The dress said couture. The energy said ‘per my last email,’” and, “No one has ever looked more like they were about to CC HR on the red carpet.”
Michael Buckner / Getty Images
Almost immediately, critics flooded the comments, accusing Blake of “bossing everyone around” and exhibiting “mean girl” behavior. “It looks like she’s bossing everyone around. Mean girl energy,” one top comment with over 22,000 likes read, while another user questioned, “Blake Lively bossing people around. Why is she even at that event? Isn’t she hated by now?”
@katherineeris / Via instagram.com
“The mask slipped and then she was nice,” another commenter added alongside several laughing emojis, suggesting the interaction felt performative.
@katherineeris / Via instagram.com
However, a massive wave of supporters quickly jumped to Blake’s defense, pointing out that the interaction looked like standard professional coordination. “It looks to me like she’s instructing the people who are hired to assist celebrities on the carpet how to help or not help with her dress. Not mean or bossy, just delegating like a boss,” one supporter noted.
@katherineeris / Via instagram.com
“This isn’t mean girl energy. This is telling the people who are supposed to help you how to help. If this were a man, nobody would have an issue with it, but because it’s a woman, it’s labeled mean,” another user pointed out, highlighting a double standard.
@katherineeris / Via instagram.com
“POV: a woman still acting twice as nice as any average man in her position would and then being hated for it,” another fan agreed, while a fourth echoed, “Now if this were a man, none of you would be saying a thing!! She’s literally telling them to let it trail behind her.”
@katherineeris / Via instagram.com
One final user weighed in, adding, “The misogyny in this comment section is disappointing. A woman can give orders and not be mean about it.”
@katherineeris / Via instagram.com
We want to hear your perspective! Let us know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to check out the rest of our 2026 Met Gala fashion coverage here.
The Met Gala is officially upon us yet again, bringing high fashion and sports together in a major way. This year’s theme is Costume Art, and the official dress code is Fashion Is Art. While actors, musicians, and even politicians step out for arguably the biggest night in fashion, sports stars also show up and show out. In fact, one of this year’s Met Gala co-chairs is the legendary Venus Williams. Let’s take a look at the athletes who graced the red carpet this year!
Venus Williams
John Shearer / WireImage via Getty Images
Naomi Osaka
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
And here’s Naomi with her second look that she revealed as she ascended the steps!
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Jimmy Butler
Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Alysa Liu
Theo Wargo / FilmMagic
Angel Reese
Matt Crossick/Via Alamy
Serena Williams
Julian Hamilton / Getty Images
Dwyane Wade
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Russell Wilson
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Eileen Gu
Matt Winkelmeyer/MG26 / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
A’ja Wilson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Justin Jefferson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Joe Burrow
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Steph and Ayesha Curry
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Keep an eye out, as we’ll keep updating with more photos throughout the night at the gala. Check out the rest of our Met Gala coverage here.
Paul Anthony Kelly recently discovered a universal truth the hard way:
Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
People do not mess around when it comes to Beyoncé on Beyoncé’s internet.
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
When Paul was questioned on the Met Gala red carpet regarding his favorite Beyoncé track, the Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette star essentially shrugged off the entire inquiry.
Rob Kim / Getty Images
“I don’t know,” he remarked while shaking his head. “I’m a metal head.”
Cindy Ord / Getty Images
His reaction has been under the social media microscope ever since. A segment of the internet is labeling his tone as dismissive:
“Like immediately and it’s not even the answer. It’s the excessive shoulder shrugs and eye rolls. Like okay miss thing we get it”
@moonniyiasvt/ Not A Real Company Productions / Via x.com
“Sometimes it’s just the tone. He looked like he had an attitude. ‘I’m sorry I’m not really an avid consumer of her music, but she seem so sweet’ would have been a good answer instead of that superiority complex he showed by saying he listens to heavy metal”
@AriesGroove81 / Via x.com
“I’m a metal head too and rarely (if ever) listen to Beyonce but I still have a favourite song of hers. It’s not that deep.”
@ultimateakasha / Via x.com
“Oh….crush cancelled.”
@cinnamonqueennn / Via x.com
“I mean, I agree with the sentiment, but the question was asked because Beyoncé is one of the heads of the gala”
@MercyBuzzard13 / Via x.com
“well he might like act iii then”
lovelanguagc / Via x.com
“Its true but at the same time im sure he could’ve named a song lmao Everybody knows atleast one Taylor or Beyonce song his idk and shrug reaction was kinda disrespectful”
@bb52521601 / Via x.com
“Arrogant, basic white guy attitude. It’s one thing not to know her songs which is fine but the way he said it sounds like he can’t even be bothered to think for a minute.”
@AthenaK11374912 / Via x.com
Meanwhile, others argue that not having a go-to Beyoncé anthem isn’t exactly a felony:
“Yess let’s normalize people having their own music taste, and not trying to ‘fit in’ In a world where everyone wants to fit in.”
@natthewarrior/ / Via x.com
“Not everyone listens to Beyonce, the hive needs to grow up.”
@Lurker_4Lyfe / Via x.com
“They’re about to drag this man for 40 days and 40 nights aren’t they”
@CandidlyCandy_ / Via x.com
“We got to stop pretending certain artists are holy gods and have to be loved and listened to by everyone! He was completely unproblematic and professional and just answered the question honestly! Get off his ass oh my goodness”
@jetteecarlottaa / Via x.com
“I don’t know who he is, but he is literally just stating he has a preference for heavier music. Why do people always have to start drama over nothing?!”
@/jadednerdyspice / Via x.com
“He wasn’t disrespectful, just real. Beyonce is iconic but not everyone’s cup of tea!.”
@chinenye_v32170 / Via x.com
Looking at one side of the coin, Beyoncé actually served as a co-chair for the Met Gala this year. Because of that, several attendees were quizzed on their favorite Bey hits, including Colman Domingo, Angela Bassett, Nicole Kidman, and Chase Infiniti. In context, the question was totally relevant, and Paul’s body language could be seen as brushing off her artistic impact.
Amy Sussman / Getty Images
On the flip side, the world of music is vast and exists far beyond the pop charts. Paul has every right to stay loyal to the genres that move him. Art is subjective by nature, after all.
Thestewartofny / Getty Images
I have a feeling the real JFK Jr. would have navigated that question with a much more diplomatic response.
Bettmann / Getty Images
What is your take on the viral drama surrounding Paul Anthony Kelly and the Beyhive? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Country music is super IN right now.
Scott Dudelson / Getty Images for Stagecoach
And one woman in particular has been front and center…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
ELLA LANGLEY.
Michael Buckner / Penske Media via Getty Images
She recently performed at Stagecoach, and is most known for her hit song “Choosin’ Texas.”
John Shearer / Getty Images for Stagecoach
It’s probably the one song that most men are currently in love with right now.
@alexsoto040 / tiktok.com
Anyway, most women have noticed how the men in their lives can’t get enough of her:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
These men even have a name for themselves: “ELLA FELLAS”:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
And they shout it loud and proud!!!
@camj859 / tiktok.com
So, it’s no surprise TikToker @cassgracef is currently going viral for addressing what she is calling the “Ella Langley Effect.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
In her TikTok that has over a million views, she says, “No one has warned me about this Ella Langley effect and what it is doing to men. All of this happened in literally one week, and it’s insane. So the other day, I was home, and my dad was showering, and guess what he was listening to at full volume? Ella Langley, full volume to the top. I kid you not. I could hear it in my bedroom. It was so freaking loud. And I’m just like, first of all, what is he doing listening to Ella Langley, like, that’s a little crazy that he even knows who she is.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I get in the car with my fiancé, maybe the next day, honestly, maybe even the same day, and he goes, ‘Oh, let me show you this song.’ And what is it? ‘Be Her.’ Of course it is, because that’s what my dad was just listening to in the shower. I’m like, okay, cool, cool, cool. Then he goes, ‘Yeah, she’s like, the HOT—,'” @cassgracef shares before she admits she stopped him. “Whoa, whoa. Let’s back that up. Let’s back that up. I am still here. I am still present. I do still exist. So like, back that up, rescind that.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Continuing, she says, “So we talked about that, and then he was like, yeah, she’s so pretty and gorgeous. And I said, correct, I agree. Maybe not the hottest person you ever seen in your life, because [ME], but she is beautiful and gorgeous. I agree. I concur.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m in the car with my brother, taking him somewhere, I don’t remember where, and he’s like, ‘Hey, can you play this?’ You want me to play ‘Be Her,’ like everyone else wants? Everyone? Yeah, cool, cool. What does he say? ‘Yeah, she’s, like, the hottest.’ I’m like, guys. I get it. She’s beautiful. She’s gorgeous. But all of you saying this and listening to her at the same time, kind of crazy,” she adds.
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m texting in one of my group chats, and one of the guys replies, saying, ‘Y’all gotta listen to this song.’ You’re kidding. You’re literally kidding. What? What does it proceed to be after that? With all the boys? She’s so hot. She’s so hot. Guys, you know who else is hot? Harry Styles. Okay, I love me some Ella Langley, don’t get me wrong, but four people saying that probably literally, within a week, I’m like, what does she have on these men? What is this effect she has going on?”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, while some women would break up with their man after this kind of swooning…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Most think they JUST WANNA BE HER (it’s a reference to the ‘Be Her’ song, IYKYK).
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Oh, and lots of others would rather hear about an Ella crush vs. anything else:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, as a woman who loves country music, I get it. I really do. If you know an ELLA FELLA, let us know in the comments. You can check out Ella’s music online (and I do highly recommend “Be Her”)!
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic
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