Amid a heated conflict with Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively made a deeply emotional revelation during the Time100 Gala ceremony. While accepting her award, the “If You Love, Leave” star brought to light a harrowing family secret involving violence. Lively shared that her mother endured a horrific assault long before Blake was even born.
She revealed that her mother, Elaine Lively, survived what she called the most terrifying crime that can be committed against a woman. A co-worker allegedly tried to take Elaine’s life. At the time, Elaine already had three children, but Blake had yet to be born.
During the attack, Elaine remembered a story she had heard on the radio. A woman, who had also survived a similar assault, was on-air sharing tips for survival. Blake said that because her mother heard that unknown woman, she followed the advice — and survived.
“My mom will never know her name. But I’m alive, standing here today, receiving this award because of that stranger. My mother and I are both alive because she not only survived — she taught others how to survive too,” Lively said, revealing the painful family story.
The actress called it a “silent relay of feminine strength.” Many attendees sensed a subtle reference to Lively’s own experience, as she has previously accused former colleague Justin Baldoni of misconduct. However, Blake only briefly alluded to their ongoing conflict.
“I have things to say about the last two years of my life, but today is not the moment,” she added.