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 Lively’s older half-sister Robyn Lively, addressed unspecific past remarks of his Jan. 28 on X, writing, “Anytime I’ve said anything unkind about someone I’ve regretted it. Fortunately that’s almost never and definitely not when I’m at my best. Regardless if it’s true or not, if it’s my opinion, even if I’m trying to speak truth or stand up for someone, it’s never good.
“Even in times where it might ‘feel’ justified and doing the right thing, it makes no difference,” he continued. “There’s a better way. It’s 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.”
“I’ll do better. If you follow me you know you’ll be hard pressed to find more than 1 time I’ve criticized anyone on social. It’s not my jam,” wrote Johnson. “You can easily find a million times I’ve uplifted, support, encourage and uplifted my family, friends, followers & strangers. That’s what I’m committed to and where I find my happiness. “
Johnson concluded his message, “We all have flaws and I’m 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 “It Ends With Us,” filed a sexual harassment complaint 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, alleging she was the victim of sexual harassment and 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 posted a birthday tribute to Lively on Instagram in August 2024, he responded to a commenter who accused Lively, who plays a victim of domestic abuse in “It Ends With Us,” of “promoting happiness in a domestic violence setting without any regard for any victims.”
“I’m really sorry you feel that way. I’m 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 I’ve seen her do in my entire life. Because it meant so much to her.”
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.
“He’s a fraud. He puts on the ‘costume’ of a hero, man bun and all. Used all of the trendy catchphrases & buzz words for his podcasts. None of it’s genuine. It’s all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years,” 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 “avoiding litigation.”
“Now I’m gonna get sued? for what? I find those type of podcasts phony. I do. That’s not a crime,” Johnson wrote, seemingly referring to his earlier remarks about Baldoni’s podcast.