Blake Lively's unexpected appearance at the 2026 Met Gala, which followed her lawsuit settlement with Justin Baldoni just hours earlier, fueled widespread speculation that her attendance was a last-minute decision. However, multiple news outlets have since debunked the rumors. Shortly after the event wrapped up, an anonymous source told TMZ that the actress' attendance had been on her calendar "for weeks," adding that she was invited to the fundraiser by media executive Anna Wintour. Blake Lively was invited to the 2026 Met Gala by media executive Anna Wintour weeks before the event.