TIME’s 100 Most Influential list just dropped, and it is already stirring up drama. Serena Williams, Ed Sheeran, Demi Moore, and Snoop Dogg are all there,
but hold on, Gossip Girl
herself, Blake Lively
, made the cut too
. Fans are confused, especially with her justice battle with Justin Baldoni in the mix. This list went from impressive to downright chaotic in seconds.
Blake Lively, making her way onto TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, is all thanks to a 2019 donation she made to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund
, which she and husband Ryan Reynolds
quietly gave in support of fighting voter suppression and police brutality. TIME praised her “commitment”
and noted that she is a “serious person”
who is deeply engaged in understanding the country’s most important issues. Who knew her philanthropic work would land her in such elite company?
Blake Lively has been named one of TIME’S 100 Most Influential People of 2025… for a donation she made to the NAACP… in 2019.
Can’t make this stuff up pic.twitter.com/RCW8lmgBSn
— Zack Peter (@justplainzack) April 16, 2025
It is a far cry from her glamorous public persona, but fans are struggling to process the honor. Social media has been flooded with outrage and confusion, with many questioning why a six-year-old donation is suddenly the reason for her inclusion
. The backlash is loud and clear—people feel the honor does not reflect her current public image or influence.
As the debate rages on, it is clear that fans are not having it. Blake Lively’s spot on TIME’s list is splitting opinions, and the internet is not holding back.
Blake Lively’s TIME 100 spot has fans raging online
Blake Lively’s inclusion on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 has fans scratching their heads, and not in a good way
. Some are absolutely confused, with one X user saying, “2019 was 6 years ago,”
questioning why that donation is suddenly relevant now. Others are poking fun, asking if the whole thing is “a joke.”
Including Lively’s current courtroom saga with Baldoni
, the timing of this honor feels a bit off to fans, and they are in no way buying the explanation.
But…..2019 was 6 years ago. And…… 2025 is..now. I don’t understand.
— WarrensWays (@WarrensWays) April 16, 2025
Is this a joke?
— Paula Matanovich🍷 (@paulamatanovich) April 16, 2025
The reactions are really spicing up. Fans are throwing around words like “narcissist,”
suggesting that Blake Lively’s recognition is just one big PR stunt. Some even think it is less about her philanthropic efforts and more about grabbing headlines. “Can someone say desperate?”
one fan quipped, adding that this move feels like a classic case of paying for recognition. Honestly, the skepticism is loud clear, and echoing throughout the internet.
Oh she’s influential alright-esp when it comes to maliciously destroying an innocent man’s career. Takes a true narcissist to do that -Karma is coming for her
— 🇺🇸GenXGal🇺🇸 (@lavenderhazzzze) April 16, 2025
Can someone say desperate??
— meganly (@meganmichelle_s) April 16, 2025
That was an apology donation for being tone deaf enough to getting married on plantation. What the eff?
— Leanne Newton (@kiarajade2001) April 16, 2025
It gets even juicier. A few fans dug into Blake Lively’s past wedding at a former plantation
, labeling the donation a “tone-deaf”
attempt at redemption. Others are just over it, with one fan saying, “She is influencing no one.”
The reactions are a mix of disbelief, frustration, and a good dose of sarcasm.
Blake’s TIME 100 honor might have been meant to shine a light on her contributions, but it has definitely sparked more jabs and questions than applause.
What do you think of Blake Lively’s TIME 100 recognition? Does her 2019 donation qualify her for a spot on the list? Let us know in the comments!
