Brandon Sklenar Speaks Out on ‘It Ends With Us’ Controversy

Brandon Sklenar is finally addressing the behind-the-scenes drama of the film “It Ends With Us.” Sklenar plays one of the male leads, Atlas Corrigan, with co-stars Justin Baldoni (Ryle Kincaid) and Blake Lively (Lily Bloom). Recently, rumors of “creative differences” between Baldoni—also the film’s director—and Lively have been circulating on social media. For the first time, Sklenar has issued a statement regarding these rumors.

“I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online,” Sklenar wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, August 20. “Colleen [Hoover] and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves. Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film is about.”

He added, “It is, in fact, the opposite of the point. What may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not and hopefully should not detract from what our intentions were in making this film. It’s been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online.”

Sklenar also addressed the delicate subject of domestic violence, which is central to the film, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the cast.

“I feel a responsibility to bring this to life and help spread that message further,” he wrote. “Prior to my involvement in this film, she had not heard of the book. It was only then that she read it. She credits Colleen’s book and subsequently this film with saving her life.”

Criticisms have emerged on social media regarding how Lively has conducted herself in the press, compared to Baldoni’s serious demeanor given the film’s sensitive topic, a point Sklenar seemed to touch upon.

“Trust me when I tell you, there isn’t a single person involved in the making of this film that was not aware of the responsibility we had in making this,” he said. “A responsibility to all the women who have experienced generational trauma—domestic abuse—or struggle with looking in the mirror and loving who they see,” he continued. “This movie is a harsh reality check for the men who need to get their s–t together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions.”

Sklenar urged fans to consider their words carefully online and to focus on the film’s message.

“Ultimately it’s meant to spread love and awareness,” he wrote. “It is not meant to once again, make the women the ‘bad guy,’ let’s move beyond that together.”

He concluded: “All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who its helping. Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact. Or if you simply want to be part of something. Let’s be part of something better together. A part of a new story being written for women and all people everywhere.”

While Sklenar’s statement didn’t explicitly take sides, his participation in press interviews with Lively has led fans to believe he may lean more towards #TeamBlake, whereas Baldoni has been doing solo media interviews.

“It Ends With Us” is currently in theaters.

Source: source names