Expert hints at tension as Blake Lively 'choreographed' Ryan Reynolds' poses on TIME100 Gala red carpet

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds's appearance at the 2025 TIME100 Gala suggested cracks as the couple’s public outing comes at an extraordinarily tense time.

Lively, 37, isn’t just navigating a feud with conservative journalist Megyn Kelly; she’s locked in a messy and high-stakes legal war with her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, as the Daily Mail reported.

Body Language expert says Blake Lively ‘choreographed’ a reluctant Ryan Reynolds

In December 2024, Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni for harassment and fostering a toxic work environment on the set of 'It Ends with Us', claims he fiercely denied before countersuing the actress, her publicist, and even Ryan Reynolds for defamation, to the staggering tune of $400 million.

Now, it seems the pressure from these courtroom clashes is spilling into their public appearances.

Body language expert Judi James, speaking exclusively to The Mail, observed a striking dynamic between the couple at the gala, suggesting there was subtle strain beneath the smiles.

"Blake quite happily lets us know via her pointing and shrugging that she's openly keen to get her reluctant-looking husband to pose solo," James explained, noting how Lively appeared to guide, and at times physically reposition, Reynolds during the photo call.

At one point, Lively was seen grabbing Reynolds's hand, clutching his bicep, and gesturing emphatically, even rolling her eyes when he seemed hesitant to pose.

"Blake seems to take over the role of director and choreographer," James continued. "Her fingers are splayed over his chest while her chin is tilted up to signal proud possession and a trophy-like adoration."

"She uses subtle tie-signs — little gestures like pointing and directing his gaze, to manage their synchronized red carpet performance," James noted. 

Reynolds, 47, meanwhile, played along, but not without signs of discomfort.

"He uses a closed-lip smile to suggest modesty or irony," James said, describing his understated demeanor as an indicator of reluctance. "There’s a moment where he tries to ‘break’ the pose and step away, but Blake holds on, placing her hand on his waist to suggest she’s not ready to be done."

Body Language expert says Ryan Reynolds wants to keep things low-key

The choreography continued even when Ryan Reynolds was called for a solo shot.

James observed Lively resisting, grabbing his hand, and even pointing to where she wanted him to stand.

When he didn’t move quickly enough, the actress shrugged toward the photographers and rolled her eyes, seeming to signal, "I tried."

James summed up the evening's energy succinctly: "Blake wants him to lean in. Ryan wants to keep it low-key. She’s choreographing the moment, and he’s quietly resisting."

Fans, who have long adored the couple’s playful banter, also couldn’t help but notice the cracks in the facade, especially with Lively and Reynolds now entwined in a massive lawsuit and a storm of media scrutiny.

Their latest red carpet appearance could be the clearest sign yet that trouble may be brewing behind closed doors. But the drama didn’t end on the red carpet.

Blake Lively slammed for ‘PR stunt’ after emotional TIME100 speech

During her acceptance speech at the TIME100 Gala, where she was honored as one of TIME’s 100 most influential people, Blake Lively stirred controversy once again.

In a move that many online critics slammed as an “obvious PR stunt,” the 'Gossip Girl' alum opened up about her mother's harrowing past.

"I have so much to say about the last two years of my life, but tonight is not the forum," Lively said, before pivoting to a broader message about "the feeling of being a woman who has a voice today."

She shared that her life was "influenced most" by her mother, Willie Elaine McAlpin, 77, who accompanied her to the event.

Lively described her mother as "the survivor of the worst crime someone can commit against a woman."

She continued, recounting how her mother credited a woman on the radio who shared a "similar circumstance" with saving her life.

"The woman painfully and graphically shared how she escaped. And because of hearing that woman speak about her experience instead of shutting down in fear and unfair shame, my mom is alive today. She was saved by a woman whose name she'll never know," Lively shared. 

Toward the end of her emotional speech, Lively turned her attention to the men and communities fighting for change and said, "And to every man, including my sweet husband [Ryan], who are kind and good when no one is watching."

"And to all the communities across the gender, age, political, geographical, and racial spectrum who fight every day just to be safe, I see you," she added.

However, the raw honesty wasn’t enough to shield Lively from backlash.

Critics quickly pointed out the actress’ previous silence on domestic violence while promoting 'It Ends With Us', a film that centers around an abusive relationship.

Adding even more heat to the evening, conservative political commentator Kelly, who was also at the gala, didn’t hold back in her own fiery critique of Lively.

Speaking to the Daily Mail on the red carpet, Kelly took aim at the actress' place on TIME’s prestigious list, citing the ongoing lawsuit drama.

According to Kelly, Blake, who left readers outraged over her TIME100 cover, "shouldn't be here."