Blake Lively’s brother-in-law, Bart Johnson, has come forward to defend her amid recent controversies surrounding the promotion of her film, “It Ends With Us.” Bart, who is married to Blake’s older sister Robyn Lively, addressed the backlash in a heartfelt social media response.

The criticism began when a social media user accused Blake, 37, of “promoting happiness in a domestic violence setting without any regard for victims.” Bart, best known for his role as Coach Bolton in the “High School Musical” franchise, replied with empathy and support for Blake. “I’m really sorry you feel that way,” he wrote. “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 also highlighted the importance of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, which serves as the foundation for the movie. “The message is in the book,” Bart explained. “And in the movie. Not in short clips or interviews. She is the reason the message and this movie are getting out.”

Despite defending Blake, Bart acknowledged that the film’s promotional efforts might have sparked some controversy. “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 before addressing the backlash, Bart had wished Blake a happy birthday on Instagram, calling her his “best friend for 30 years.” He reminisced about their long history together, recounting how Blake’s father had given him a job teaching an acting class after working with him on his first film, “Mi Familia.” Bart shared stories of family trips, school field trips he chaperoned, and how Blake helped him win over her older sister Robyn, who is now his wife of 25 years. “For 30 years I’ve had the privilege of being friends with this kind, loving, committed, hardworking and inspiring strong woman!” Bart wrote.

He praised Blake’s character, noting her desire to make the world a better place and her exceptional role as a 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.

Bart’s wife Robyn also defended her sister on social media beneath her own birthday tribute to Blake. One fan commented, “Blake is a lovely human being! I hope she knows that the multitudes of people who love her is so much greater than the negative voices. Happy Birthday Blake!!” Robyn replied simply, “Thank you for this.”

Rumors of an on-set feud between Blake and the film’s director and star, Justin Baldoni, have been circulating since the film’s promotion began. The cast members, including Isabela Ferrer, Brandon Sklenar, and Jenny Slate, participated in press events without Justin. At the New York premiere on August 6, Blake and her guests watched the film in one theater while Justin and his family viewed it in another.

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

Internet sleuths discovered that while the cast follows Blake on Instagram, they do not follow Baldoni. Meanwhile, Baldoni has hired crisis public relations manager Melissa Nathan.

Blake, who also served as a producer on the film, expressed her pride in the project during an interview with BBC at the London premiere. “I really feel like we delivered a story that’s emotional and it’s fun, but also funny, painful, scary, tragic and it’s inspiring and that’s what life is; it’s every single color,” she said.

However, Justin has clarified that he will not be returning to direct the sequel based on Hoover’s follow-up novel “It Starts With Us.” At the NYC premiere, he told Entertainment Tonight, “I think there are better people for that one. I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct, that’s what I think.”

This article originally appeared in New York Post and was reproduced with permission