The “It Ends With Us” drama never ends.
Amid online rumors that Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni feuded on the set of the film, their co-star Brandon Sklenar released a lengthy statement on Instagram Tuesday, telling fans to put an end to the online hate.
“Hey everyone. I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online,” Sklenar, 34, began his message.
“Colleen [Hoover] and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance and for women choosing a better life for themselves,” he said. “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. It is, in fact, the opposite of the point.”
Based on Hoover’s best-selling book, “It Ends With Us” stars Lively, 36, as Lily Bloom, a woman in an abusive relationship. Baldoni, 40, (who also directed the movie), plays her boyfriend and abuser, Ryle Kincaid. Sklenar plays Lily’s long lost love, Atlas Corrigan.
Lively has been criticized for failing to discuss the film’s domestic violence theme and instead promoting her new haircare line, Blake Brown Beauty, and her floral fashions.
Meanwhile, Baldoni has hired crisis public relations manager Melissa Nathan amid feud allegations.
Sklenar mentioned the speculative behind-the-scenes drama in his statement.
“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,” he wrote. It’s been disheartening to see the amount of negative being projected online.
“Someone very close to me has been struggling with a relationship that has mirrored Lilly’s closely,” Sklenar continued. “I feel a responsibility to bring this to life and help spread that message further. Prior to my involvement in this film, she had not heard of the book. It was only then that she read it. She credits Colleens book and subsequently this film with saving her life.”
The actor went on, “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. 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. This movie is a harsh reality check for the men who need to get their shit together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions.”
Sklenar said the romantic drama — which is crushing it at the box office — “is meant to inspire,” as well as “validate,” “recognize,” “instill hope,” “build courage” and “help people feel less alone.”
“Ultimately,” he added, “it’s meant to spread love and awareness. It is not meant to once again, make the women the ‘bad guy,’ let’s move beyond that together.”
“All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it’s helping,” Sklenar added. “Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact. Or if your simple want to be a part of something. Let’s be a part of something better together. A part of a new story being written for women and all people everywhere. Lead with Love and please be Kind. Brandon.”
Sklenar is the first “It Ends With Us” cast member to speak out about the rumored drama.
The rumors first started circulating after fans noticed that Baldoni — despite being both the director and a male lead — has not been doing press with any of his co-stars.
He also opted out of red carpet appearances alongside Lively — who served as a producer on the movie — Sklenar, Isabela Ferrer and Jenny Slate.
At the New York premiere on Aug. 6, Baldoni and Lively were in different movie theaters to watch the flick.
Amid the backlash towards Lively for how she’s promoted the film, old interviews with the actress have resurfaced showing her acting offensive and rude.
Lively has not spoken out about her past controversial comments or the “It Ends With Us” drama.
