Hollywood actressBlake Livelymade a dramatic return to the public eye on Monday night, 4 May, mounting the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the2026 Met Gala. Her solo red-carpet appearance came a mere hours after the shocking announcement that she andherItEnds With Usco-star,Justin Baldoni, had settled their bitter, multi-million dollar legal dispute.
Whilst the sudden resolution averted an explosive federal trial, her glamorous appearance at the event has sparked an intense internet rumour claiming that the actress was actually uninvited from the exclusive fashion benefit and only secured her spot by paying a £74,000 ($100,000) fee.
In a world where an invitation to the Met Gala is considered the ultimate industry status symbol, the allegation of a transactional entry has sent shockwaves through social media, but did she really pay such a hefty amount to be there? Here is the truth behind the online gossip.
Lively graced the Met Gala red carpet in a beautiful Atelier Versace gown from spring 2006, inspired by Venetian Rococo art, featuring a 13-foot train. This marked her first time attending the gala since serving as co-chair in 2022. But the dazzling look was quickly overshadowed by a wave of online rumours.
A viral rumour posted by an Instagram account, Met Gala (@metgalaofficial_), claimed that the 38-year-oldGossip Girlstar was not invited to the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art event, alleging that Lively paid £74,000 ($100,000) to secure her spot on the guest list.
The accountwrote: 'According to rumors, Blake Lively wasn't invited to the Met Gala 2026, so she allegedly paid over $100,000 to get an invitation—and wanted to keep it secret.'
Despite the intense online chatter, the claims that Lively was uninvited or paid a huge sum to salvage her invitation are entirely unfounded. The anonymous celebrity gossip outlet Deuxmoi has firmly debunked the rumours surrounding the actress.
Addressing the speculation in an Instagram post, the outlet wrote: 'Despite online rumors, Deuxmoi can confirm that Blake Lively was invited to the Met Gala by Anna Wintour weeks in advance and was seated at Anna's table.'
Furthermore, the social media account responsible for starting the viral rumour, which at first glance appeared to be an official handle for the Met Gala due to its username, is actually an unofficial fan page. Hidden in the account's profile biography is a clear disclaimer: 'This is a Fan Page dedicated to the Met and not affiliated with them in any way.'
The rumour is also fueled by the fact that Lively arrived at the venue just hours after the sudden announcement that her highly publicised, years-longlegal battle with director Justin Baldonihad been settled.
Source: International Business Times UK
