Blake Lively’s In-Law Speaks Out Amid ‘It Ends With Us’ Drama

Bart Johnson, brother-in-law of Blake Lively, is hinting that there might be more complexity to the ongoing “It Ends With Us” situation.

The 37-year-old actress has come under fire for allegedly downplaying the film’s themes of domestic violence during its promotional campaign. The film, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, follows Lily Bloom (portrayed by Lively) as she deals with an abusive relationship with neurosurgeon Ryle (Justin Baldoni) while rekindling a romance with her childhood sweetheart Atlas (Brandon Sklenar).

In a recent interview with BBC News, Lively emphasized that her character Lily is “not defined” by her experiences with domestic violence.

Lively has been criticized for her responses to questions about domestic violence in the film and for her past interview behavior that has resurfaced.

“She defines herself, and I think that’s incredibly empowering. It’s essential to remind people that no one else can define you,” Lively said, speaking about her character. “No experience can define you. You define you.”

In light of the criticism, Lively has shared resources regarding domestic violence on her social media platforms.

In an Instagram birthday tribute to Lively, Bart Johnson addressed the controversy surrounding “It Ends With Us.”

After a fan criticized Lively for “promoting happiness in a domestic violence setting without regard for victims,” Johnson defended her, stating, “I’m truly sorry you feel that way. I can promise you that the full story has not yet been revealed. Blake has worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do my entire life.”

“The message is in the book and the film, not just in short clips and interviews. She is the reason this important message is being shared,” he continued.

Johnson, married to Lively’s sister Robyn, underscored the idea that everyone makes mistakes and that nobody is perfect.

“Were mistakes made? Yes. I’ve made mistakes too, but they aren’t under a microscope. I respect your views, though. I’ve got nothing but love for you,” he wrote, concluding with a red heart emoji.

Following the premiere of the film on August 9, Lively took to Instagram to share domestic violence resources.

“1 in 4 women aged 18 and older in the United States have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lives,” she stated on social media. “Intimate partner violence affects individuals of all genders and impacts over 12 million people each year in the United States. Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.”

Robyn, Lively’s sister and Johnson’s wife, shared a heartfelt birthday message for Blake, describing her as “one of the best humans I know.”

“I love you, my sister, my best friend, my little piggy back buddy!” Robyn wrote in her Instagram tribute, adding, “HAPPY birthday sissy britches!”

In response to one supportive comment on her post, Robyn expressed her gratitude, replying, “Thank you for this.”

Lively expressed her pride in the film through her social media platforms, stating:

“‘It Ends With Us’ portrays the female experience, encompassing all the highs and lows. We are incredibly proud of this film and the critical message it shares. Thank you for embracing ‘It Ends With Us’ with the same love, pain, and joy we felt while creating it.”

Since its release on August 9, “It Ends With Us” has become Lively’s highest-grossing film, amassing over $242 million globally as reported by Deadline.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.