Blake Lively’s actor brother-in-law Bart Johnson is apologizing for any “unkind” things he’s said amid Lively’s legal battle with her “It Ends with Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni.
Johnson, who is married to Livelyโsย older half-sister Robyn Lively,ย addressed unspecific past remarks of his Jan. 28 on X, writing, “Anytime Iโve said anything unkind about someone Iโve regretted it. Fortunately thatโs almost never and definitely not when Iโm at my best. Regardless if itโs true or not, if itโs my opinion, even if Iโm trying to speak truth or stand up for someone, itโs never good.
“Even in times where it might ‘feel’ justified and doing the right thing, it makes no difference,” he continued. “Thereโs a better way. Itโs below the standard I have for myself and I regret it. “
The “High School Musical” franchise star went on to “sincerely apologize” to anyone he “hurt or let down by saying something that sounds mean.”
“Iโll do better. If you follow me you know youโll be hard pressed to find more than 1 time Iโve criticized anyone on social. Itโs not my jam,” wrote Johnson. “You can easily find a million times Iโve uplifted, support, encourage and uplifted my family, friends, followers & strangers. Thatโs what Iโm committed to and where I find my happiness. “
Johnson concluded his message, “We all have flaws and Iโm definitely a work in progress and doing my best to grow and be better.”
Johnson’s comments come on the heels of lawsuits filed by both Lively and Baldoni following the promotion and release of “It Ends with Us,” which premiered in theaters in August 2024.
In December 2024, after rumors of a feud between the two actors circulated for months, Lively, who co-starred and was a producer on โIt Ends With Us,โ filed aย sexual harassment complaintย against Baldoni.
Lively followed up by filing a lawsuit against Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, producer Jamey Heath, Baldoni’s publicist Jennifer Abel, crisis publicist Melissa Nathan and others connected to Baldoni and the film, allegingย she was the victim of sexual harassment andย a subsequent smear campaign, according to court documents obtained by NBC News.
Baldoni countered by suing Lively, her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, and other defendants for $400 million, accusing them of defamation and other contractual claims, according to court documents obtained by NBC News.
Both actors’ lawsuits will be addressed in a trial set for March 9, 2026, in New York.
Months before the actors filed their lawsuits, Johnson defended Lively as she battled a social media backlash that her lawsuit alleges was orchestrated by Baldoni and his team.
After Johnson postedย a birthday tributeย to Lively on Instagram in August 2024, he responded to a commenter who accused Lively, who plays a victim ofย domestic abuse in โIt Ends With Us,โ of โpromoting happiness in a domestic violence setting without any regard for any victims.”
“Iโm really sorry you feel that way. Iโm sure you have a huge heart and want the best,” Johnson replied, in part. “I can promise you the truth has not come out yet. Blake worked harder on this film than anything Iโve seen her do in my entire life. Because it meant so much to her.โ
In December 2024, Johnson also reportedly called Baldoni, who hosts a podcast called “Man Enough” that explores modern masculinity and gender roles,” a “fraud” in a since-deleted post on X, reported USA Today.
โHeโs a fraud. He puts on the โcostumeโ of a hero, man bun and all. Used all of the trendy catchphrases & buzz words for his podcasts. None of itโs genuine. Itโs all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years,โ Johnson wrote, according to the publication.
On Jan. 29, a day after he said he regretted making “unkind” remarks, Johnson posted and then deleted a response to an X user who accused of him of apologizing in the interest of โavoiding litigation.โ
โNow Iโm gonna get sued? for what? I find those type of podcasts phony. I do. Thatโs not a crime,โ Johnson wrote, seemingly referring to his earlier remarks about Baldoni’s podcast.
โBut I do feel bad rippin on them. Thatโs literally all I said. Butโฆ Just like you and all the toxic and hatful comments I get from his fans wishing me and my children harm and calling me all the vile names you can imagine, itโs not a crime. People are free to do so and Iโm not mad,โ he added.ย
