Blake Lively’s sister will always have her back.
After the Gossip Girl star filed a complaint against It Ends with Us costar and director Justin Baldoni for alleged sexual harassment and retaliation, her sister Robyn Lively spoke out to support her sister and encourage fans to read up on the whole of the predicament.
“I urge everyone to read The NY Times article in its entirety,” the Teen Witch star wrote in a Dec. 22 Instagram post, referring to the Dec. 21 bombshell article. “It calls out those behind the ruthless and nefarious smear campaign that aimed to take down my sister. It also highlights the truth and what really happened, what she actually endured during the filming of It Ends With Us.”
Indeed, in the complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department obtained by E! News, Blake alleges that Justin, as well as producer Jamey Heath, spearheaded a smear campaign to tarnish the 37-year-old’s reputation in order to prevent her own sexual harassment allegations—which occurred while filming the Colleen Hoover adaptation—from coming to light. (The filing is a precursor to a lawsuit, and an attorney for Justin and Jamey have denied the allegations.)
Robyn also used her lengthy message of support to comment on fandom in the digital era.
“We live in an age where we have access to people’s personal lives like never before—especially actors,” she continued. “It makes us feel like we know them. We see them on social media, watch clips of them, and make snap decisions about their character. The only reason I can comment on this is because I’m guilty of it too. We all are. The truth is—we don’t know them.”
And while the Doogie Howser, M.D. alum emphasized the misunderstanding that surrounds celebrities’ identities online, she attempted to describe Blake as she knows her.
“She is one of the kindest, most honest and loving humans I know,” Robyn added. “Blake isn’t a villain. She’s a mama bear to her core, a loving and supportive wife, a sister, a friend, and someone who worked her ass off on a film in abominable working conditions.”
To conclude, the 52-year-old also defended Blake’s choices in her lighthearted marketing campaign for the film—which had been met with criticism online at the time—and the support Blake had received from fans.
“The ‘truth’ in the tabloids is hardly ever what you think,” Robyn noted. “But honesty prevails. Today is a good day. My gratitude is boundless for your kindness here and consideration for my sister.”
She also shared her pride for the Age of Adaline star to stand up for herself by pursuing the legal filing.
“I’m so proud of her,” she continued. “Proud that she has handled herself with such grace and didn’t cave, that she didn’t allow herself to be silenced in the face of adversity and lies. I hope this gives others the strength to do the same.”
Meanwhile, other stars in Blake’s circle have also come to her defense. Paul Feig—who worked with Blake on the A Simple Favor films—also expressed support for her online.
“All I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with,” the director wrote in a Dec. 22 X post. “She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s awful she was put through this.”
Keep reading for more stars who have spoken out to champion Blake amid her allegations against Justin.
Colleen Hoover
After Blake Lively filed a legal complaint against It Ends With Us costar and director Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the film's set and for later taking part in a smear campaign against her—claims that he has since denied via his lawyer—Colleen Hoover, who wrote the book that the movie is based on, shared a message to the actress.
"@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met," Colleen wrote on her Instagram Stories Dec. 21. "Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt."
Robyn Lively
Blake's sister, fellow actress Robyn Lively, also weighed in.
"I urge everyone to read The NY Times article in its entirety," Robyn wrote on Instagram Dec. 23, referencing the NYT piece that details Blake's complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department. "It calls out those behind the ruthless and nefarious smear campaign that aimed to take down my sister."
The Teen Witch star went on to note that it also "highlights" what Blake allegedly experienced on the set of It Ends With Us.
Paul Feig
Blake's A Simple Favor director also came to her defense, writing on X Dec. 22, "I’ve now made two movies with Blake and all I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with. She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s awful she was put through this."
Amy Schumer
The comedian showed her support for the Gossip Girl alum, writing on her Instagram Story Dec. 22, "I believe Blake."
Gwyneth Paltrow
Shortly after Blake's complaint was made public, the Goop founder shared a photo of The Town star's hair company, Blake Brown, on her Instagram Story, writing, "Just added to my Christmas wish list."
Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn & America Ferrera
Blake's BFFs and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars penned a joint message, posted to Instagram Dec. 22, stating they "stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation."
Bart Johnson
Bart Johnson shared an impassioned defense of his sister-in-law in the comments section of a New York Times Instagram post detailing the filing and its own investigation into the behind-the-scenes turmoil.
“Her complained were filed during the filming,” the High School Musical alum, who is married to Blake's sister Robyn, wrote. “On record. Long before the public conflict. The cast unfollowed him for a reason. Read this article before spitting ignorance. 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 with out faults. But the public got played."
He later added on X of Baldoni, "He’s a fraud. 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 it’s genuine. It’s all theater. And everyone fell for it. For years. Rewatch his videos with a more critical eye and watch him compliment and praise himself with faux humility and self deprecation. What a performance."
Shawn Levy
Ryan Reynolds' frequent collaborator Shawn Levy shared the New York Times investigation into the smear campaign on his Instagram Stories, writing, "Proud to call @blakelively a friend."
Amber Heard
Days after Lively's filing was made public, Amber Heard reflected on her own experience facing relentless vitriol online amid ex Johnny Depp's defamation trial against her.
“Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,’” the Aquaman star expressed in a statement to NBC News Dec. 23. “I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.”
Brandon Sklenar
Brandon Sklenar, who played Blake's love interest Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us, had a simple, pointed message of support.
Sharing a screenshot of the Gossip Girl alum's full complaint against Baldoni on his Instagram Stories Dec. 23, he wrote over a link to the text, "For the love of God read this." He followed up by tagging her with a heart emoji.
Jenny Slate
Jenny Slate, who played Baldoni's sister and Blake's BFF in the film, shared her thoughts on the "disturbing" allegations.
“As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation,” Slate said in a Dec. 23 statement to Today. “Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.”
“What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening," the Parks and Recreation alum continued. "I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.”
Michele Morrone
The actor, who stars alongside Lively in the upcoming sequel to A Simple Favor, sent his love to her on Instagram Story Dec. 23, adding that he felt her "pain" as they filmed together earlier this year.