Body language experts have dissected Blake Lively‘s mannerisms at the 2026 Met Gala.

Two behavior analysts weighed in on the actress’s demeanor at the annual fashion event, arguing that behind her confidence was something more apprehensive.

Blake Lively’s appearance at the prestigious event came hours after her settlement with Justin Baldoni. The “It Ends With Us” co-stars had been at each other’s throats for nearly two years over sexual harassment allegations.

Blake Lively Allegedly Did Not Display Signs Of ‘Genuine Happiness’

Lively made a solo appearance at the 2026 Met Gala after she and Baldoni settled their differences. Although she appeared to be radiating confidence as she posed for pictures, body language experts shared a different narrative.

Body language expert Darren Stanton noted that Lively appeared to be “projecting confidence, with her hands on her hips to make herself appear larger.” Stanton claimed her actions were “a classic body language signal of self-assurance,” but beneath them was something more reserved.

“There are subtle signs of discomfort we can see in the footage,” Stanton declared. The expert told Page Six that Lively’s smiles were “inconsistent” with her body language, and she lacked signs of “genuine happiness.” Stanton stated that in those moments, Lively seemed slightly tense but not angry.

Darren spoke on behalf of Covers for this piece, which first appeared in Page Six. 

The Actress Reportedly Hid Her Sadness Behind A Confident Facade

Stanton’s claims about Lively’s mannerisms continued, alleging that her poses were aimed at giving her a sense of control in the moment, dubbing them power gestures. Despite her efforts to act like she had authority, Stanton stressed that her facial expressions gave mixed messages.

“While she smiles, it doesn’t fully engage the eyes or cheek muscles, and there are no crow’s feet, the key components of a genuine smile,” Stanton explained. “Only one muscle is active, indicating she is not as relaxed or happy as she wants to appear.”

Stanton added that Lively’s nonverbal body language gestures, like her “lip compression,”  showed that she was trying to manage how she came across. The body language expert suspected her actions were those of someone wanting to say something but holding back.

The TV Personality Was Not As Composed As She Behaved

Stanton rounded off by stating Lively’s mannerisms were solely focused on coming across as “very composed” amid the media frenzy. The expert added that her actions hinted that she was “not fully enjoying the experience,” a sentiment behavior analyst Traci Brown echoed.

Brown explained that Lively appeared happy with her big, open-mouth smile, but there were moments when her smile did not reach her eyes. On that note, the behavior analyst claimed it was not far-fetched to believe that Lively’s settlement with Baldoni was to blame. In Brown’s words:

“There’s a reserved sadness there. Could these be a reflection of the settlement? Absolutely. Could it be something else? Yes.”

Blake Lively Donned A Stunning Versace Dress For The Met Gala

The settlement between Lively and Baldoni came two weeks before they were scheduled to face off in court. The Blast reported that the joint statement announcing the end of the nearly two-year case did not focus on the terms of their agreement but on their support of all survivors.

Hours later, Lively put the drama behind her and stepped out in a stunning pastel-colored Versace gown from the brand’s spring 2006 archives. The number featured a snatched halterneck bodice and a 13-foot train that required an entourage to lift as she walked.

The brand’s artistic director, Donatella Versace, sang Lively’s praise in an interview, declaring that she looked “stunning” in the dress. On the other hand, The Blast shared that fans were more focused on the settlement and who they believed was the true winner of the nasty court battle.

Inside The ‘It Ends With Us’ Drama Settlement

Lively and Baldoni announced their settlement on Monday, May 4, hours before the actress’s Met Gala appearance. Sources with knowledge about the resolution told TMZ that no money was involved despite there being a lot of behind-the-scenes drama in the Lively camp.

The Betty Booze founder reportedly brought in a new law firm, Sussman Godfrey, to litigate the case, but it seemed her plans failed. Sources claimed that the settlement did not even include an apology from Baldoni after a judge shut down most of the allegations she leveled against him.

Although neither Lively nor Baldoni received any monetary compensation in their settlement, the same could not be said for their attorneys. The entertainers’ respective legal reps allegedly made millions from the “It Ends With Us” dispute, which began in December 2024 with Lively’s sexual harassment allegations.

Was Blake Lively hiding her displeasure at the Met Gala?