Blake Lively’s Brother-in-Law Exposes ‘Gross’ Smear Campaign by Justin Baldoni: Explosive Allegations Shake Hollywood!

The ongoing legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has sparked heated public debate, and now Lively’s brother-in-law, actor Bart Johnson, has stepped forward with an impassioned defense of the star.

Johnson, known for his role in High School Musical, took to social media to call out what he described as a “gross” and “highly effective” PR campaign orchestrated by Baldoni’s team, following Lively’s bombshell legal complaint against her This Ends With Us co-star and director.

The lawsuit, which accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and defamation, has been a lightning rod for controversy.

Lively alleges that Baldoni not only harassed her and other co-stars on set but also initiated a calculated smear campaign to tarnish her reputation.

Baldoni has denied all allegations through his legal team, labeling them “false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.”

Johnson Speaks Out on Social Media

Johnson, 54, who is married to Lively’s sister Robyn, left a strongly worded comment on an Instagram post about the lawsuit.

Referring to Lively’s complaints, he wrote, “Her complaints were filed during the filming. On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him [Baldoni] for a reason.”

He continued, “His PR team was stellar. Gross and disgusting but highly effective. Read the article, their text message exchanges, and his PR campaign strategy to bury her by any means necessary. No one is without faults. But the public got played.”

Johnson did not shy away from acknowledging that mistakes were made on Lively’s part, but he emphasized the tremendous pressure she was under.

Defending a “Girl Boss”

In his comment, Johnson described the challenges Lively faced juggling multiple roles: mother, entrepreneur, and Hollywood actress. “Just IMAGINE being a stay-at-home mom raising 4 kids, married to the busiest man in Hollywood, and at the same time being a girl boss running multiple companies while writing, producing, running non-profits, and working 16+ hour days from home so you can be with your kids,” he argued.

He added that Lively had also been launching two businesses she had been developing for years, with release dates set by distributors. This, combined with the demands of promoting a film tied to the lawsuit, created a perfect storm of stress. “All while getting attacked by a VERY expensive PR smear campaign because you filed a sexual harassment claim for the very film you have to go out and promote with just the right tone or you get cooked!?”

Johnson also criticized the resurfaced clips of Lively appearing rude in interviews, claiming they were part of the smear campaign. “But yeah, let’s post from our couch how much we hate her for making mistakes. That makes sense,” he wrote.

A Family United

Johnson is not the only family member defending Lively. Over the weekend, her sister Robyn Lively also took to Instagram, sharing her support for the Gossip Girl alum. “FINALLY justice for my sister @blakelively,” Robyn, 52, wrote in an Instagram Story, sharing screenshots from a New York Times article about the lawsuit.

Johnson elaborated on his admiration for Lively, defining her as the epitome of a “girl boss.” When questioned about the term, he clarified, “A woman that is kicking a$$ as an entrepreneur and/or business owner in what has been previously dominated by men… [Blake’s] my hero, as is any woman charging it like this.”

The Allegations

The lawsuit, filed by Lively, 37, details allegations of sexual harassment and defamation against Baldoni, 40. It claims Baldoni’s actions on set created a hostile work environment and that his subsequent PR strategy sought to discredit Lively through selective leaks and media manipulation. The actress asserts that Baldoni’s smear campaign damaged her professional reputation and caused significant emotional distress.

Baldoni’s lawyers have categorically denied the accusations. In a statement, they described the claims as baseless and defamatory, saying, “These allegations are completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.”

The Bigger Picture

This legal battle has prompted broader conversations about gender dynamics in Hollywood and the challenges faced by women in positions of power. Lively, who is known for her sharp business acumen and philanthropic efforts, has frequently championed women’s rights and equality in the workplace.

Her brother-in-law’s comments shed light on the toll such controversies can take on individuals and their families. Johnson’s defense underscores the importance of looking beyond sensational headlines to consider the full scope of someone’s life and challenges.

Public Reactions

Fans and industry insiders have been quick to weigh in on the drama. While many have expressed support for Lively, others have criticized her, citing the resurfaced interview clips as evidence of problematic behavior. Johnson addressed this directly in his comments, urging people to avoid passing judgment based on isolated incidents.

“I mean, she’s been rude in these interviews that magically played on repeat. I saw it. None of us have ever been wrong or mean. Never. We should discount decades of good for those few bad moments. Glad the microscope isn’t on me every day of my life,” he wrote.

What’s Next?

As the lawsuit progresses, it remains to be seen how the allegations and counterclaims will unfold. For now, Lively’s family is standing firmly by her side, rallying against what they see as an unjust campaign to discredit her.

Through their public support, Robyn Lively and Bart Johnson are highlighting not only their personal loyalty but also the broader societal issues at play in this high-profile case.

The court of public opinion remains divided, but one thing is clear: Blake Lively’s fight extends far beyond her legal battle—it’s a fight for her dignity, reputation, and role as a powerful voice in the entertainment industry.