Amidst the ongoing legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Lively's brother-in-law, Bart Johnson, has issued a public apology for any "unkind" remarks he may have made. Johnson, married to Lively's half-sister Robyn, expressed regret on X (formerly Twitter), stating that even if he believed he was speaking truthfully or defending someone, there's always a better approach than resorting to negativity. He emphasized his commitment to uplifting others and acknowledged his own need for growth.

While Johnson didn't specify the target of his apology, it follows a reported incident where he allegedly labeled Baldoni a "fraud" in a now-deleted social media post. This online exchange occurred within the larger context of Lively's sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, his Wayfarer studio, and former PR representatives, alongside accusations of a smear campaign orchestrated against her. Baldoni, in turn, has filed two lawsuits: a $250 million suit against the New York Times and a $400 million defamation suit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who were both producers on "It Ends With Us."

The legal battle continues, with Baldoni's attorney recently releasing unedited footage from "It Ends With Us," claiming it refutes Lively's harassment allegations. Johnson's apology adds another layer to the complex interpersonal dynamics intertwined with the legal proceedings.