The red carpet at the 2025 TIME100 Gala wasn’t just about glitz and glamour this year it became the center of trending news after Megyn Kelly unleashed a brutal takedown of actress Blake Lively. The former Fox News host and current podcaster didn’t hold back, labeling Lively’s inclusion in TIME’s annual list of the most influential people as a “ridiculous joke.”
This controversial moment, captured by multiple media outlets, quickly made its way into breaking news segments and generated thousands of reactions across social media. For many, the gala was expected to celebrate global change-makers but instead, it turned into a headline-grabbing clash between two major public figures.
She Has No Influence: Kelly’s Harsh Critique Goes Viral(Blake Lively fake MeToo claims)
Megyn Kelly, known for her sharp tongue and unapologetic commentary, did not mince words when asked about Blake Lively’s appearance on the TIME100 list. “She’s only here because she’s a celebrity,” Kelly said, adding that Lively “has no influence over anything.”
But it didn’t stop there. Kelly went on to accuse Lively of launching a fake MeToo allegation against actor and director Justin Baldoni during the production of their upcoming film, It Ends With Us. Although no formal legal action followed the claims, the dispute stirred massive speculation online.
Online Reactions: Public Backs Megyn Kelly
While you might expect backlash from fans, surprisingly, much of the internet backed Megyn Kelly. X (formerly Twitter) exploded with support. One post read: “Megyn Kelly absolutely dismantled Blake Lively on that red carpet. She came with facts and fire.” Another added: “Kelly said what everyone’s been thinking. Blake bought that award with good PR and donation money.”
Lively’s Supporters Point to Philanthropy
On the other hand, Lively’s defenders pointed out her genuine philanthropic efforts. In 2019, she and husband Ryan Reynolds made significant contributions to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and have since supported various causes related to voter rights and racial justice.
TIME acknowledged this in their feature on Lively, describing her as “a philanthropist and a student of our country’s most intractable problems.” Civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill praised the actress, stating, “Blake really did her homework before reaching out.”
TIME Magazine Under Fire for Celebrity-Centric Selections
This isn’t the first time TIME’s annual list has come under scrutiny. Each year, the magazine faces criticism for prioritizing high-profile names over individuals making real grassroots impact. Kelly’s comments have reignited that debate, with many questioning whether influence is being measured by media presence rather than meaningful contribution.
“Obviously, TIME is looking for big stars to sell copies,” Kelly said, “but this time, they got it wrong.”
What started as a glamorous evening celebrating influence has morphed into one of the most talked-about stories of the week. Whether you side with Kelly or Lively, there’s no denying this clash has struck a nerve with the public and will likely remain in the cycle of trending news for days to come.