Did Hollywood power agent Ari Emanuel play a role in securing Blake Lively's TIME100 spot? Here's what a report claims

American actress Blake Lively might have dazzled on the red carpet at the recent TIME100 Gala, but her appearance is coming amidst a storm of controversy, and now there are speculations that a high-powered Hollywood insider might have played a role in getting her on the exclusive list, as per a report.

Blake Lively's Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni

According to the Blast report, the 37-year-old star is embroiled in a highly publicized court fight with her co-star and director of "It Ends With Us," Justin Baldoni. Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and alleges he mounted a smear campaign to discredit her, as per the report. Baldoni has retaliated with a $400 million countersuit, claiming Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, drove him off the film and ruined his career, according to Blast report.

A Shocking TIME100 Inclusion Amid the Drama

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Lively was named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People, an honour that some found shocking considering the timing, as per the report. According to an article by the Daily Mail, some insiders are speculating that powerful WME CEO and Hollywood's leading agent Ari Emanuel might have had something to do with it.


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Ari Emanuel's Involvement

Earlier this year, Emanuel, whose firm handles both Lively and Baldoni, also spoke out publicly on Lively's behalf and dropped Baldoni as a client because of the scandal, as per Blast report.

An insider told Daily Mail, "Some believe that Emanuel may well have pulled strings to get Lively honored by Time," as quoted by Blast.

However, supporters, like civil rights icon Sherrilyn Ifill, highlighted Lively’s philanthropy as justification for the honor, as reported by Blast. While, Lively's critics argue that her selection was more about damage control than influence, reported Blast.

FAQs

Why did Ari Emanuel drop Justin Baldoni as a client?
Ari Emanuel dropped Baldoni due to the ongoing scandal involving Lively, whom he publicly supported in the midst of the legal drama.

What are critics saying about Blake Lively’s TIME100 selection?
Critics argue that her inclusion on the list might have been more about damage control than influence, given the timing of the recognition amid her legal issues.