Blake Lively has received a strong show of support from her brother-in-law, Bart Johnson, amidst the ongoing backlash related to her recent film, It Ends With Us. Johnson, known for his role as Coach Bolton in High School Musical and married to Lively’s sister Robyn, took to Instagram to defend the actress following criticism over her promotion of the movie.
In a heartfelt birthday tribute to Lively posted on Monday, Johnson addressed the negative feedback Lively has been receiving. The criticism focused on Lively’s promotion of the film, which deals with sensitive themes of domestic violence, in a manner perceived by some as inconsistent with the film’s serious subject matter.
Responding to a deleted comment that criticized Lively for promoting “happiness” in the context of the movie’s dark themes, Johnson stated, “The truth has not come out yet.” He further emphasized Lively’s dedication to the project, asserting that she worked exceptionally hard on the film because it was deeply important to her.
Johnson added, “The message is in the book. And in the movie. Not in short clips / interviews. 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.”
The backlash against Lively intensified after a sarcastic remark she made during a promotional interview for It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel about an abusive relationship. Lively’s comment about how fans should approach her sparked criticism, especially when she used the film’s promotion to also highlight her seltzer company and hair care line.
The controversy extended to an old interview clip where Lively’s sarcastic response to a congratulatory comment about her baby bump was deemed insensitive after it was revealed the reporter could not have children. Additionally, Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, faced criticism over Reynolds’ unauthorized rewrite of a scene in the movie, which was speculated to have occurred during the writer’s strike.
Johnson’s defense highlights the complexities of public perception and the challenges faced by celebrities navigating promotional campaigns for sensitive subjects. As the debate continues, Lively’s commitment to the film and its message remains a central point of discussion.
