Blake Lively’s brother-in-law, Bart Johnson, who is married to her older sister Robyn, came to her defense when she faced criticism for her promotion of It Ends with Us.
While most of her close friends, including husband Ryan Reynolds and best friend Taylor Swift, have remained silent following Lively’s career downturn, Johnson, 53, showed his unwavering support for the 37-year-old Gossip Girl on Instagram.
While wishing her a happy birthday on Monday, the actor, who played Zac Efron’s father in High School Musical, reflected on their years of friendship.
“My best friend for 30 years! Blake’s dad got me a job teaching his teenage acting classes after I worked with him on my very first acting job in a movie called Mi Familia,” he began.
He continued: ‘Countless stories of family outings and holidays, chaperoning her on school trips and MOST IMPORTANTLY, how I ingratiated myself with her older sister Robyn (now married for 25 years) who didn’t know I existed for years after she met Blake!!’
Blake Lively’s brother-in-law Bart Johnson, who is married to her older sister Robyn, came to her defense after criticism of her promotion of It Ends with Us
“I have had the privilege of being friends with this kind, loving, dedicated, hardworking, inspiring strong woman for 30 years!! Someone who wants to make the world a better place and has been an exceptional role model in a million ways for caring for others, spreading kindness and my personal favorite, putting her family first and being an AMAZING wife and mother,” she raved.
Johnson concluded, “When I grow up I want to be just like her. I have a long way to go. I LOVE YOU BLAKE!!! (These are some of my favorite photos over the years, especially swing dancing at the airport). HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!!”
Under the post, he responded to comments from one of his followers, who claimed Lively was wrong for “promoting happiness in a domestic violence situation without any regard for the victims.”
“I’m so sorry you feel this way,” he wrote back. “I’m sure you have a big heart and want the best. I can promise you the truth hasn’t come out yet. Blake worked harder on this movie than I’ve ever seen her work in my entire life. Because it meant so much to her.”
Johnson stressed that her work on the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel It Ends With Us contains an important “message.”
“The message is in the book. And in the film. Not in short fragments/interviews. She is the reason the message/this film/is coming out,” he wrote.
Still, he apparently acknowledged that the film’s promotion could have been better.
“Were mistakes made? Yes,” he wrote. “I make mistakes in life. But they are not under a microscope. Regardless, I respect your views. I have nothing but love for you.”
Lively and her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni (pictured earlier this month) reportedly clashed on set over creative differences
Johnson’s post comes after Lively’s sister, Robyn, called her “one of the best people” she knows in her own birthday post.
“I love this girl, my sister, my best friend, my little babysitting buddy!” she wrote on Instagram. “HAPPY birthday, sissy britches!”
Blake and Robyn are both the children of talent manager Elaine Lively. Their siblings Lori, 57, Eric, 43, and Jason Lively, 56, are also actors.
Blake has recently been criticized for her “toneless” comments during her final press conference and allegations of behind-the-scenes drama between her and Baldoni.
The controversy and public outrage have not harmed the film, which is about a woman trying to escape an abusive relationship.
While the majority of her inner circle, including husband Ryan Reynolds and best friend Taylor Swift, have remained silent about the public outcry over Lively’s “toneless” comments during her latest press tour, Johnson, 53, showed his unwavering support for the 37-year-old Gossip Girl on Instagram
While wishing her a happy birthday on Monday, the actor, who famously played Zac Efron’s father in High School Musical, reflected on their years of friendship
“My best friend for 30 years! Blake’s dad got me a job teaching his teenage acting classes after I worked with him on my very first acting job in a movie called Mi Familia,” he began
The film was in third place last weekend after three weeks in theaters with a payday of $11.85 million. The drama has grossed more than $242.6 million worldwide.
Many fans agreed with Robyn’s assessment of the situation and her description of her little sister.
“Blake is a sweet person!! I hope she knows the crowd of people who love her far outweighs the negatives. Happy Birthday Blake!!,” one fan wrote.
“Thank you for this,” replied Robyn, who also had a role in It Ends With Us.
“Finally a post about Blake that I can get behind!” another follower commented.
‘Congratulations Mamacita! Enjoy, enjoy, relax and go wild ladies x.’
Johnson’s post comes after Lively’s sister, Robyn, called her “one of the best people” she knows in her own birthday message
Robyn expressed her gratitude again by writing: ‘the best, thank you so much ‘
Neither Blake nor Baldoni have responded to the allegations.
