Bart Johnson, Blake Lively’s brother-in-law, has spoken out amid the controversy surrounding Lively’s involvement in the film *It Ends With Us*.

After Johnson posted a birthday tribute to Lively, a fan criticized her for “promoting happiness in a domestic violence setting” without considering victims. Johnson quickly defended Lively, stating that the truth about the film’s message has not been fully revealed yet. He emphasized how hard Lively worked on the project, which she felt was deeply meaningful.

Johnson, who is married to Lively’s sister Robyn, acknowledged that mistakes may have been made but defended Lively’s intentions and efforts. He also responded graciously to the fan, expressing respect for their views. The controversy comes as the film, based on Colleen Hoover’s book, deals with sensitive themes of domestic violence, with Lively playing the lead role. Reports of tension between Lively and her co-star and director Justin Baldoni have also surfaced, suggesting creative differences during the film’s production.