Lively’s son-in-law defends her in the drama, saying, The truth hasn’t come out yet
Blake Lively’s brother-in-law Bart Johnson is defending her amid controversies surrounding her movie It Ends With Us.
Johnson, who is married to Blake’s sister Robyn Lively, shared a birthday tribute to Blake, 37, on Instagram. High School Musical actor Johnson later responded to one commenter who said it was «disappointing» that Blake appeared to be «promoting happiness in a domestic violence setting without any regard for any victims.»
«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,» Johnson, 53, wrote in response to the comment. «Blake worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do my entire life. Because it meant so much to her.»
Blake, also a producer of the film, stars as Lily Bloom in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, and the story deals with toxic relationships, domestic abuse and other complex themes.
There are also reports of tension between Blake and her costar-director Justin Baldoni. Johnson added in his comment, «The message is in the book. And in the movie.
Not in short clips / interviews,» he added in the comment. «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.»
About tension between Blake and Baldoni, 40, one source told PEOPLE Aug. 13, that the issues behind-the-scenes is more than alleged creative differences between the pair.
«All is not what it seems,» a set source said at that time. «There is much more to this story. The principal cast and [author] Colleen Hoover will have nothing to do with him.»
In a message after It Ends With Us’ opening weekend, Lively thanked fans on her Instagram Story and shared resources to help domestic violence survivors.
«It Ends With Us is a story of the female experience. All the highest highs, and lowest lows. And we are so proud of it,» she wrote at the time. «We have been in celebration of this film and of getting a message so important out there to the masses.
Thank you all for embracing It Ends With Us with the same love, pain and joy we had sharing it with you all.»
