Blake Lively is facing backlash over her promotional efforts for her new film, It Ends With Us, which deals with sensitive themes of domestic violence. Critics have accused her of focusing more on her personal brand rather than the film's serious message. In response to the criticism, Lively shared Instagram stories discussing her character and included resources for domestic violence victims, but many perceived it as a rushed attempt at damage control. Her brother-in-law, Bart Johnson, defended her on social media, emphasizing her dedication to the project and the importance of the film's message. He acknowledged that while mistakes were made in the promotion, Lively's commitment and hard work should not be overlooked. Overall, the controversy highlights the challenges of addressing serious topics in mainstream media.