Blake Lively‘s brother-in-law Bart Johnson is coming to her defense amid a wave of controversy she’s faced surrounding her film It Ends With Us.
The High School Musical actor, who’s married to Blake’s older sister Robyn Lively, responded to a comment on his recent Instagram post, where he shared a birthday tribute to Blake. “Shame she’s so set on promoting happiness in a domestic violence setting without any regard for any victims. Disappointing from Blake,” one person commented.
Johnson wrote in response, which appears to have since been deleted, “I’m really sorry you feel that way. I’m sure you have a huge heart and want the best. I can promise you the truth has not come out yet. Blake worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do my entire life. Because it meant so much to her.”
“The message is in the book. And in the movie. Not in short clips / interviews,” he continued. “She is the reason the message / this movie/ is getting out. Were mistakes made? Yes. I make mistakes in life. But they aren’t under a microscope. Anyway, I respect your views. I got nothing but love for you.”
Blake not only starred as Lily Bloom in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 book but also served as a producer. However, since the film’s release on Aug. 9, the actress has been criticized on social media for seemingly not being vocal enough about the story’s sensitive topics of domestic abuse and toxic relationships.
While the actress shared resources to help domestic violence survivors on her social media following the release of It Ends With Us, some fans claim she hasn’t done enough to raise awareness. Blake also faced backlash for her cross-promotion of her new haircare brand Blake Brown during the film’s press run.
The Hollywood Reporter also previously reported about an alleged rift between Blake and Justin Baldoni, the movie’s director who also played Ryle. Sources told THR that tension dates back at least a year, with the actress not looking forward to returning to filming after production was paused due to the actors strike in 2023. Baldoni has also been accused of fostering an uncomfortable set that alienated Blake and the cast.
According to sources, there was tension in post-production as well, where two competing cuts of the film emerged, including one commissioned by Blake (which is the cut playing in theaters).
Elsewhere in Johnson’s Instagram post, he shared several photos of them together over the years and wrote in the caption, “For 30 years I’ve had the privilege of being fiends [sic] with this kind, loving, committed, hard working and inspiring strong women [sic]!! Someone that wants to make the world a better place and has been such an exceptional role model in a million kinda ways to care for others, spread kindness and my personal favorite, putting her family first and being an AMAZING wife and mother. When I grow up I wanna be just like her. I’ve got a long ways to go. LOVE YOU BLAKE!!!”