At the 2025 TIME100 Gala, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, Blake Lively, one of the prominent TIME100 honorees, delivered a deeply personal and emotional tribute to her mother, Willie Elain McAlpin. The star’s heartfelt speech not only recognized her mother’s resilience but also highlighted the importance of female survival and empowerment.
Blake Lively’s TIME100 Gala Speech Highlights Female Resilience
Blake Lively, who was named one of TIME100’s most influential people of 2025, took a moment to honor the women who have shaped her life, particularly her mother, Willie Elain McAlpin. During her speech, Lively shared a powerful and emotional story about her mother’s survival of a violent assault by a work acquaintance before Lively was even born.
Lively, speaking about the honor of being part of the prestigious TIME100 list, acknowledged the responsibility that comes with influence. She emphasized the significance of standing up for what matters, speaking out on crucial issues, and supporting those who need it the most.
Blake Lively Shares Her Mother’s Story of Survival
While Lively refrained from discussing personal legal battles in her speech, including her ongoing dispute with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, she instead chose to focus on her mother’s remarkable survival story. Her mother, McAlpin, survived a violent attack that left her with physical and emotional scars. Lively reflected on her mother’s resilience and bravery, acknowledging the deep shame she carried for years as a result of the traumatic experience.
Lively expressed her gratitude toward the countless women who inspire and support one another through their own struggles. She recalled how her mother found hope and strength when she heard a fellow woman share her own story of survival on the radio. McAlpin, inspired by the broadcast, was able to escape her own situation and live to see another day. Lively credited her own existence and success to that unnamed woman who helped save her mother’s life.
A Message of Empowerment and Strength
Blake Lively’s speech resonated deeply with those in attendance, touching on the universal struggles of women and the silent strength that is passed down through generations. Lively stressed that women often bear the weight of protecting others from trauma, but that these shared experiences form a powerful bond of solidarity.
Lively’s call for justice and safety for all women and girls underscored the importance of fighting for a world where everyone can feel secure in every space—be it at work, at home, or online. She powerfully declared, “Never underestimate a woman’s ability to endure pain,” reinforcing the message that women have an incredible capacity for resilience, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Celebrating Women’s Strength and Community
In her closing remarks, Blake Lively expressed her gratitude to the women whose strength has shaped her and her family, as well as to the men who show kindness and goodness in quiet, unnoticed moments. She also acknowledged the importance of supporting diverse communities across gender, race, age, and geography in their fight for safety and equality.
The TIME100 Gala is TIME’s annual celebration of the world’s most influential people, bringing together leaders, innovators, and celebrities from various industries. Lively’s emotional tribute added a deeply personal touch to the evening, reminding everyone of the power of sharing stories and standing up for those who need it the most.
Catch the TIME100 Gala Special on ABC
The TIME100 Gala will be showcased in a special television event, TIME100: The World’s Most Influential People, airing on ABC on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 10 p.m. EDT. The event, produced in partnership with P&G, will feature performances, appearances by celebrities such as Demi Moore and Serena Williams, and more.
