“Whatever may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not, and hopefully should not, detract from our intentions in making this film,” he wrote.
John Nacion/Variety via Getty
Brandon Sklenar at the premiere of It ends with us in New York City on August 6, 2024
Brandon Sklenar stands up for the women behind It ends with us.
In an impassioned Instagram post on Tuesday, August 20, the actor began by saying he wanted to “address all the stuff that’s going around on the internet” – likely referring to the alleged drama between the main cast and director/actor Justin Baldoni. The film, based on the successful 2016 novel by Colleen Hoover, also stars Blake Lively, Isabela Ferrer and Jenny Slate.
“Colleen and the women in this cast represent hope, perseverance and women choosing to live a better life,” wrote Sklenar, 34. “To denigrate the women who put so much heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and distracts from what this film is about. In fact, it is the opposite of what it is supposed to be saying.”
It ends with us Lively (36) stars as Lily Bloom, a florist who enters into an abusive relationship with a man named Ryle Kincaid, played by Baldoni (40), who also directed the film.
Of the film, Sklenar wrote on Instagram: “What may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not and hopefully should not detract from our intentions in making this film. It has been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online.”
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During the film’s promotional tour, there were rumors of a falling out between Lively and Baldoni. Before the film’s release, rumors of behind-the-scenes discord grew, as Baldoni made most of his press appearances alone and did not pose for photos with the cast at the film’s premiere in New York City. Fans were also quick to notice that Hoover, 44, Lively, Slate, 42, and others involved in the film do not follow Baldoni on Instagram.
Sklenar continued in his Tuesday post that “someone very close to me is struggling with a relationship very similar to Lilly’s (sic)” and that as a result he “feels a responsibility to bring this to life and help spread this message further.”
“She had never heard of the book before I was involved in this film. Then she read it. She credits Colleen’s book and later this film with saving her life,” he continued. “There is not a single person involved in the making of this film who didn’t understand the responsibility we had in making it. A responsibility to all the women who have experienced intergenerational trauma – domestic violence – or struggle to look in the mirror and love who they see in it.”
Sklenar also called the film a “harsh reality check for the men who need to get their shit together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions,” adding that the film is intended to “inspire” but also “affirm,” “acknowledge” and “provide hope.”
“It’s meant to be empowering and to help people feel less alone,” he added. “Ultimately, it’s meant to spread love and awareness. It’s not meant to make women the ‘bad guy’ again. Let’s get through this together.”
Jojo Whiden
Blake Lively and Brandon Sklenar in It ends with us (2024)
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“I just ask that you ask yourself who you are helping before spreading hate online,” Skelnar continued in his Tuesday post. “Ask yourself if your opinion is based on facts. Or if you just want to be part of something. Let’s be part of something better together. Part of a new story being written for women and all people everywhere.”
“Lead with love and please be kind, Brandon,” he concluded.
At an interview for PEOPLE in 10 Earlier this month, Sklenar spoke openly about working with Baldoni, noting that he did a “great” job as the film’s lead actor, director, and producer.
“The whole crew he put together was just incredible,” he said. “Everyone on this film is at the top of their game in every way. It was a really pleasant environment to work in.”
A representative for Lively could not be reached by PEOPLE.
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