The Truth Is Still Hidden

Blake Lively’s brother-in-law, Bart Johnson, has come to her defense amidst swirling rumors of behind-the-scenes drama on the set of the film It Ends With Us. Johnson, known for his role in High School Musical, is married to Lively’s sister, Robyn Lively. He recently quashed a fan’s critical comment about the Gossip Girl alum on Instagram.

In celebration of Lively’s birthday, Johnson posted a tribute to her. A fan responded, lamenting that Lively was promoting happiness within a domestic violence narrative, seemingly disregarding the impact on victims. Johnson assured the fan that there’s more to the story than has been made public. “Blake worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do my entire life. Because it meant so much to her,” he commented, emphasizing Lively’s dedication and the film’s deeper message.

Johnson further elaborated that the true message lies within the book and the film, not in brief interviews or soundbites. He credited Blake for ensuring that this important message reaches a wide audience.

The conversation around the film hasn’t been all positive, with notable tension between the leading stars, Lively and Justin Baldoni, during the promotional tour. The two were noticeably absent from joint appearances, including the film’s premiere. Baldoni even hired crisis PR management amid the drama. Despite these issues, It Ends With Us has resonated well with audiences, recently surpassing $100 million at the domestic box office.

Another fan interaction saw Johnson acknowledging the human aspect of filmmaking. “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,” he stated, highlighting the intense scrutiny that celebrities often face.

It Ends With Us is an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel. Directed by Justin Baldoni with a screenplay by Christy Hall, the film tells the story of Lily Bloom (played by Lively), a recent college graduate starting a new chapter in Boston. She encounters Ryle Kincaid (portrayed by Baldoni), a neurosurgeon finishing his residency. Their relationship explores the heavy themes of domestic abuse and toxic dynamics.

The tension among the stars and the PR maneuvers did not seem to affect the movie’s performance. The film’s deeper message and Lively’s commitment to it have been highlighted as key factors in its success. Johnson also hinted that more information about the situation may come to light soon, leaving fans eagerly waiting for a fuller picture.