"Truth has not come out yet"— Bart Johnson defends sister-in-law Blake Lively from It Ends With Us drama

In the wake of the rising controversy surrounding American actress Blake Lively's latest film, It Ends With Us, her brother-in-law Bart Johnson has stepped in to defend her. The controversy emerged when critics accused Blake Lively of avoiding the subject of abuse during the promotion of the film which has domestic violence as one of its central themes.

The actor who played the role of Coach Bolton in High School Musical took to Instagram on 26 August, to address the criticisms Lively has faced since the film’s release. Johnson is Blake's sister, Robyn Lively's husband, and posted a birthday tribute to Blake on Instagram.

Bart 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."

Johnson wrote, "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."

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"Were mistakes made? Yes," admits Bart Johnson

Blake Lively who plays the role of Lily Bloom in the film based on Colleen Hoover’s popular novel has been in the crosshairs due to her portrayal of the story, which revolves around domestic abuse.

Nevertheless, critics claim that Lively has not been serious enough in advertising the film through her lighthearted 'floral' themed posts, and interviews. Johnson, however, claims that there is more to it that has not been told yet.

Johnson’s comments follow rumors of tension on set between Lively and her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. The issues seem to go beyond creative differences, with rumors suggesting a strained professional relationship between Lively and Baldoni during the film’s production.

However, Bart Johnson emphasized that more attention should be paid to the content of the book and the film rather than some clips or interviews that may distort the meaning behind the story. He emphasized the dedication Lively put into the project, stating,

"Blake worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do my entire life. Because it meant so much to her."

Bart Johnson admitted that the company could have made some mistakes while making the film and the promotion of the movie but noted that such mistakes are usually blown out of proportion. he wrote, adding that his love and respect for those critical of the film remained unchanged.

He wrote, adding that his love and respect for those critical of the film remained unchanged.

"Were mistakes made? Yes. I make mistakes in life. But they aren’t under a microscope."

Lively herself has yet to address the backlash although, in a past interview, she stated her views on the theme of the movie. She wrote on an Instagram Story following the film's opening weekend,

"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 also provided links for women and children survivors of domestic violence.

In the Birthday post, Bart Johnson mentioned that he and Blake have been friends for thirty years. Johnson said,

"Countless stories of family trips and vacations, chaperoning her school field trips and MOST important, helping me gain favor of her older sister Robyn (now wife of 25 years) who didn’t know I existed for years after knowing Blake!!"

He further added,

"For 30 years I’ve had the privilege of being fiends with this kind, loving, committed, hard working and inspiring strong [woman]!!"

Recently, she has been involved with the production of her directorial debut, Seconds based on the graphic novel by Bryan Lee O’Malley. As the film combines elements of fantasy and drama, the audience has been looking forward to seeing the directorial debut of Lively.