Blake Lively’s brother-in-law apologises to Justin Baldoni amid $640 million lawsuit

As Justin Baldoni fires up multiple lawsuits against Blake Lively and the New York Times, one of her family members has come forward with an apology to the director.

An unexpected twist has unfolded in the drama between Blake Lively and her It Ends With Us director and co-star, Justin Baldoni, with the actress’ family member appearing to apologise to the filmmaker.

The pair have been embroiled in a messy legal feud with both sides accusing the other of conducting smear campaigns on each other.

Naturally, Blake’s family have jumped to her defence with her brother-in-law, High School Musical star Bart Johnson, among the most vocal.

Bart Johnson, who is married Blake Lively’s sister Robyn Lively, has appeared to apologise to Justin Baldoni on X. Picture: Noam Galai/WireImage

When Blake first accused Justin of sexual harassment and retaliation just before Christmas, Bart quickly took to X to blast Justin, calling him a “fraud” while also criticising his appearance.

Now it seems Bart, 54, “regrets” getting involved and has appeared to indirectly apologise to Justin.

“Anytime I’ve said anything unkind about someone I’ve regretted it,” Bart – who played Zac Efron’s dad Coach Bolton in the HSM franchise – tweeted in a lengthy post on January 28. “Fortunately that’s almost never and definitely not when I’m at my best.”

Bart called Justin a “fraud” in previous comments. Picture: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Vital Voices Global Partnership

Bart made the comments in defence of his sister-in-law Blake. Picture: Gotham/WireImage

Bart – who is married to Blake Lively’s older sister, actress Robyn Lively – made it clear that he is still in Blake’s corner, but he believes he could have shown more restraint when defending her online.

“If it’s my opinion, even if I’m trying to speak truth or stand up for someone, it’s never good,” he continued.

“Even in times where it might ‘feel’ justified and doing the right thing, it makes no difference. There’s a better way. It’s below the standard I have for myself and I regret it.”

In his tweet, Bart also told fans that he “sincerely” apologised to anyone that he “hurt or let down by saying something that sounds mean”.

“I’ll do better,” he promised. “If you follow me you know you’ll be hard pressed to find more than 1 time I’ve criticised anyone on social. It’s not my jam. 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. We all have flaws and I’m definitely a work in progress and doing my best to grow and be better. Sending ALL my love to ALL of you.”

Bart (third from left) and Blake’s family supported her at the It Ends With Us New York premiere last August. Picture: John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

When one X user wondered if Bart was not directly apologising to Justin to avoid a lawsuit from the Jane The Virgin star, Bart laughed off the suggestion. Justin is currently suing the New York Times for $US250 million ($AU400 million) for writing a damning article about him while also suing Blake and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for a further $US400 million ($AU640 million) for allegedly harming his career and reputation.

“Now I’m gonna get sued? [laughing emoji] for what?” Bart tweeted. “I find those type of podcasts phony. I do. That’s not a crime. But I do feel bad rippin on them. That’s literally all I said.”

“Just like you and all the toxic and hateful comments I get from his fans wishing me and my children harm and calling me all the vile names you can imagine, it’s not a crime.

Justin and Blake film a scene in It Ends with Us. Picture: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

“People are free to do so and I’m not mad. That fine. I can take the beatings. You think I deserve it? Okay that’s fine too. Movin on. Can’t let it get me down. Keep bein me. 2025 gonna be great!! Let’s goooooo…”

In his original comments, Bart didn’t hold back in slamming Justin.

“He’s a fraud,” he wrote under the New York Times’ Instagram post promoting their article on Justin. “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 its genuine. It’s all theatre. And everyone fell for it. For years.”

“No one is without faults,” Bart concluded, “but the public got played.”

His comments have since been deleted.

Originally published as Blake Lively’s brother-in-law apologises to Justin Baldoni amid $640 million lawsuit