Blake Lively’s brother-in-law, who is married to her older sister Robyn Lively, has publicly defended the It Ends With Us star amidst recent cast drama. At 53 years old, Bart Johnson, known for his role as Coach Bolton in the High School Musical franchise, responded to a social media comment accusing Blake, 37, of “promoting happiness in a domestic violence setting without any regard for any victims.”

Expressing his regret over the misunderstanding, Bart wrote, “I’m really sorry you feel that way. I’m sure you have a huge heart and want the best. I can promise you the truth has not come out yet. Blake worked harder on this film than anything I’ve seen her do in my entire life. Because it meant so much to her.”

Bart then referenced Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, which serves as the basis for the film. “The message is in the book,” he explained. “And in the movie. Not in short clips or interviews. She is the reason the message of this movie is getting out.”

While he defended his sister-in-law, Bart acknowledged that the film’s promotion might have been controversial for valid reasons. “Were mistakes made? Yes,” he admitted. “I make mistakes in life. But they aren’t under a microscope. Anyway, I respect your views. I got nothing but love for you.”

Just days prior, Bart had wished Blake a happy birthday on Instagram, referring to her as his “best friend for 30 years!” He reminisced about their long history together, recalling how Blake’s father gave him a job teaching an acting class after working with him on his first acting job in the film Mi Familia. Bart shared stories of family trips, school field trips he chaperoned, and how Blake helped him gain favor with her older sister Robyn, now his wife of 25 years.

Bart elaborated on Blake’s character, describing her as someone committed to making the world a better place and an exceptional role model in countless ways. He praised her for caring for others, spreading kindness, and prioritizing her family as an amazing wife and mother. “When I grow up I wanna be just like her. I’ve got a long ways to go. LOVE YOU BLAKE!!!” he concluded.

His wife, Robyn Lively, 52, also defended her sister on social media under her own birthday tribute to Blake. When a fan commented on Blake being a lovely human being loved by many more people than the negative voices, Robyn simply replied, “Thank you for this.”

Rumors of an on-set feud between Blake and the film’s director and star, Justin Baldoni, surfaced during promotion. Despite doing press with other cast members like Isabela Ferrer, Brandon Sklenar, and Jenny Slate, Blake did not promote the film alongside Justin Baldoni. At the New York premiere on August 6, they even watched the film in separate theaters—Blake with her guests and Justin with his family.

An industry insider told Page Six that Baldoni was “extremely difficult” to work with and that none of the cast enjoyed working with him. Allegedly, he made Blake feel “uncomfortable” about her postpartum body after giving birth to her son Odin.

Internet sleuths discovered that the cast only follows Blake on Instagram while Baldoni has hired crisis public relations manager Melissa Nathan. Blake, who also served as a producer on the film, told BBC at the London premiere that they delivered a story that is emotional yet fun, funny yet painful, scary yet inspiring—reflective of life’s myriad experiences.

Justin Baldoni has since clarified that he won’t return to direct the sequel based on Hoover’s novel It Starts with Us. He told Entertainment Tonight at the NYC premiere, “I think there are better people for that one. I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct; that’s what I think.”