Bart Johnson has his head in the game when it comes to family.
Blake Lively’s brother-in-law, who is married to her older sister Robyn Lively, is standing up for the “It Ends With Us” star amid cast drama.
The 53-year-old responded to a social media comment that Blake, 37, was “promoting happiness in a domestic violence setting without any regard for any victims.”
“I’m really sorry you feel that way,” Bart, who portrayed Coach Bolton in the “High School Musical” franchise, 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.”
He then took a moment to reference Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, which the movie is based on.
“The message is in the book,” Bart explained. “And in the movie. Not in short clips/interviews. She is the reason the message/this movie/is getting out.”
Although the “Christmas Spirit” star defended his sister-in-law, he also admitted that the film’s promotion might have been a bit controversial for good reason.
“Were mistakes made? Yes,” Bart said. “I make mistakes in life. But they aren’t under a microscope. Anyway, I respect your views. I got nothing but love for you.”
Bart also wished Blake a happy birthday on Instagram a few days prior, calling the actress his “best friend for 30 years!”
“Blakes dad gave me a job teaching his teenage acting class after working with him on my very first job as an actor on a film called, ‘Mi Familia,’” he recalled. “Countless stories of family trips and vacations, chaperoning her school field trips and MOST important, helping me gain favor of her older sister Robyn (now wife of 25 years) who didn’t know I existed for years after knowing Blake!! For 30 years I’ve had the privilege of being friends with this kind, loving, committed, hard working and inspiring strong women!!”
Bart touched on Blake’s character, writing, “Someone that wants to make the world a better place and has been such an exceptional role model in a million kinda ways to care for others, spread kindness and my personal favorite, putting her family first and being an AMAZING wife and mother.”
He concluded, “When I grow up I wanna be just like her. I’ve got a long ways to go. LOVE YOU BLAKE!!! (These are some of my very favored pics over the years, especially swing dancing in the airport). HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!! (special appearance in these pics w/ papa Ernie and worlds greatest trainer @donsaladino).”
Bart’s wife, Robyn, 52, 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!!” to which the “Teen Witch” actress simply replied, “Thank you for this.”
Rumors of Blake’s on-set feud with the film’s director and star, Justin Baldoni, made headlines throughout the promotion.
The “Gossip Girl” alum did press with her cast members, including Isabela Ferrer, Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate — but not with the “Jane the Virgin” star.
The co-stars even watched the film in different movie theaters at the New York premiere on Aug. 6. Blake and her guests enjoyed the film in one theater while Justin and his family watched in another.
An industry insider told Page Six that Baldoni was “extremely difficult” and “none of the cast enjoyed working with him,” adding that he made Lively feel “uncomfortable” about her postpartum body following the birth of her son, Odin.
Internet sleuths also discovered that the cast only follows “The Shallows” vet on Instagram, while the drama’s director has hired crisis public relations manager Melissa Nathan.
Blake, who also served as a producer on the film, told 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.”
But Justin has now made it clear that he won’t be returning to direct the sequel movie based on Hoover’s novel “It Starts with Us.”
“I think there are better people for that one,” he told “Entertainment Tonight” at the NYC premiere. “I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct, that’s what I think.”
