Nine days prior, Gayle King faced significant backlash online after asking critics of her 11-minute space mission “have you been?” and implying that they shouldn’t judge until they have experienced it themselves. However, on Thursday evening, she confidently walked the red carpet at the Time 100 Gala, dazzling in a shimmering green dress.
“I can’t complain,” Ms. King remarked at 7:30 p.m., standing on the 16th floor of the building previously known as the Time Warner Center, now called the Deutsche Bank Center. “My life is wonderful.”
To her left stood David Muir, one of the honorees of the night and an ABC News anchor, whose network recently paid President Trump $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit.
To her right was designer Georgina Chapman, whose former husband, Harvey Weinstein, was back on trial this week related to sexual assault accusations. Ms. Chapman was at the gala with her current partner, actor Adrien Brody, who was also being honored that evening.
Ms. King approached another celebrity nearby, greeting actress Scarlett Johansson, who was also featured on the Time 100 list.
Throughout much of the 20th century, Time was a weekly publication by Time Inc. Now, tech billionaire Marc Benioff owns the magazine, which is published biweekly. In response to events like the Met Gala, the Time 100 has evolved into a celebration where contemporary artists are honored alongside elite athletes, often taking selfies together.
Artist Mickalene Thomas, meeting gymnast Simone Biles for the first time, didn’t hesitate to snap a selfie, declaring, “She’s legendary. Why not?”
As guests were being directed toward the dining area, actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds entered, currently embroiled in a legal dispute with film director and actor Justin Baldoni.
Ms. Lively has accused Mr. Baldoni of misconduct during the filming of “It Ends With Us,” while he has denied these claims and countersued her, her publicist Leslie Sloane, and The New York Times for defamation after the publication covered their conflict.
Was there a particular vibe that evening, drawing those entangled in controversies?
“Who knows,” replied Ali Zelenko, former chief spokeswoman for NBC News, attending with her new boss, Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the Anti-Defamation League. “But it makes for good stories.”
“This is a complex time,” noted Sam Jacobs, editor in chief of Time. “The Time 100 reflects that.”
The dining room featured a tiered layout with a large stage on the lowest level. Behind it, expansive glass windows showcased views of Central Park. Wait staff served up a kale and dandelion Caesar salad as cameramen rushed around the space, capturing footage for a Time 100 special set to air on ABC in May.
On the ground level, Demi Moore sat with her manager, Jason Weinberg, and Ms. Johansson. At the next table, Ms. Biles enjoyed the company of Serena Williams and actor Adam Scott, while Mr. Brody and Ms. Chapman were above them.
The evening kicked off with a brief speech by Jessica Sibley, Time’s chief executive, who highlighted the importance of independent journalism in a healthy democracy, before thanking the numerous corporate sponsors of the event.
Soon after British singer Myles Smith performed his hit “Stargazing,” Mr. Muir took to the microphone to introduce another Time 100 recipient, activist Angeline Murimirwa from Zimbabwe, who has dedicated decades to providing educational opportunities for girls in Africa.
She was one of several speakers throughout the night, including Noa Argamani, an Israeli activist who endured captivity under Hamas for 245 days.
Adding some humor to the evening, the magazine enlisted rapper Snoop Dogg as the host, though his appearances were somewhat scattered.
“Man, I’m so proud of Simone Biles. Ain’t y’all?” he expressed. “Me and Simone have a lot in common. She excels at balance beam vaults and uneven bars, and I’m quite skilled at high jumping. I’m also adept at high sitting, high rapping, and as you’ll see tonight, high hosting.” (He humorously mused that his invitation to this year’s Time 100 was likely due to the magazine needing a famous emcee.)
Around 9:30 p.m., a grilled branzino was served as the main course.
Ms. Biles called over a waiter to order margaritas for herself and Ms. Williams.
Next, Ms. Lively delivered a speech.
“I have so much to say about the past two years of my life, but tonight isn’t the right time,” she stated, seemingly referencing her situation with Mr. Baldoni.
She then spoke at length about the struggles women face and how they ultimately “break” their daughters’ hearts by revealing the harsh truths they shielded them from while they played in princess dresses: that true safety is often elusive. “At work, at home, in parking lots, in medical offices, online—women aren’t always safe. In any place they occupy. Physically, emotionally, or professionally.”
“But why should we carry this burden quietly?” she asked. “Why can’t we all agree on this fundamental human right?”
During her speech, Ms. Lively also expressed gratitude towards her mother, Elaine Lively, for helping her find her voice, as well as her “sweet husband,” Mr. Reynolds, whom she described as one of the good men “who are kind when no one is looking.”
The evening wrapped up around 11 p.m. with a performance by singer Ed Sheeran.
He also took a playful jab at Mr. Reynolds.
Mr. Sheeran has a minority ownership in Ipswich Town F.C., a soccer club in Suffolk, while Mr. Reynolds co-owns Wrexham A.F.C. in Wales.
Mr. Sheeran joked that his team would crush Wrexham, using a more colorful expression, before launching into his popular hit, “Shape of You.”
