No Blake Lively at Met Gala 2023, but her selfie stole the show

The Met Gala is always one of the most highly anticipated events in the fashion and entertainment world. Every year, the event's organizers choose a theme that sets the tone for the glamorous affair. This year, the Met Gala 2023 paid tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld, the legendary German Chanel designer.

However, one notable absence from the event was Blake Lively, the actress who played Serena van der Woodsen in the hit TV series "Gossip Girl". Known for her stunning red carpet looks, Lively has been a staple at the Met Gala for years, making her absence all the more noticeable.

While some have speculated that Chanel executives didn't want Lively to be the brand's image, the actress clarified that her absence was due to other reasons. In an interview with People, Lively revealed that she wouldn't be attending the event due to her family commitments. Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, recently welcomed their fourth child, which is likely the reason for her absence.

Despite not being able to attend, Lively didn't completely miss out on the Met Gala 2023 festivities. She took to Instagram to share a selfie of herself pumping breast milk in a bathroom while dressed in a purple sweater and jeans.

Her caption read, "First Monday in May," with breast milk GIFs, indicating that she was still participating in the event in her own way.

Lively's decision to prioritize her family over the Met Gala is admirable, and it's refreshing to see a celebrity choosing to take a step back from the glitz and glam of Hollywood. Nonetheless, it's safe to say that fans of Lively's red carpet looks will be eagerly awaiting her return to the Met Gala in future years.

In the meantime, Lively has been keeping busy with other events. Last month, she made her post-baby red carpet return at Barnard College's Annual Gala, where she stunned in a colorful Carolina Herrera dress. She also turned heads at the reopening of Tiffany & Co.'s NYC flagship, where she donned a plunging leather look by Brandon Maxwell.

While Lively's absence from the Met Gala 2023 is certainly felt, it's a reminder that celebrities are people too and have personal lives outside of their work. It's important to acknowledge and respect their decisions to prioritize their families and personal well-being.