Brandon Sklenar is standing up for women from behind It Ends With Us amid the film’s recent controversy circulating online.
The actor, who played Atlas Corrigan in the film based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 best-selling book, took to his Instagram on Tuesday to “address all this stuff that’s been circulating online,” which began when fans speculated about a possible feud between director and star Justin Baldoni and star and producer Blake Lively.
“Colleen and the women in this cast represent hope, perseverance, and women choosing a better life for themselves,” Sklenar wrote in a lengthy statement. “To malign the women who put so much of their heart and soul into the making of this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and distracts from what this film is about. It is, in fact, the opposite of the point.”
He added: “What may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not and I hope should not detract from our intentions in making this film. It has been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online.”
Lively and Baldoni have been the subject of negative headlines since the film’s release on August 9, after fans began speculating about a possible behind-the-scenes feud between the filmmakers. Sources later said The Hollywood Reporter that a fracture occurred in the post-production process, in which two different cuts of the film emerged, one by Lively and one by Baldoni. However, it is unclear which cut is playing in theaters.
Neither Lively nor Baldoni have directly addressed the controversy publicly, but THR We previously learned that Baldoni hired veteran PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan amid the alleged drama.
In her Instagram post, Sklenar went on to say that “someone very close to me has struggled with a relationship that closely mirrored Lily’s. I feel a responsibility to bring this to life and help spread this message even further.”
It Ends With Uswhich addresses the delicate subject of domestic violence, follows Lily (Lively), who learns to trust in her own strength to overcome the generational trauma in her life.
“Before 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 for saving her life,” he said. 1923 the actor wrote. “There is not a single person involved in the making of this film who was not aware of the responsibility we had in making it. A responsibility to all the women who have experienced generational trauma — domestic abuse — or struggle to look themselves in the mirror and love who they see.
“The film is a harsh reality check for men who need to pick themselves up and take responsibility for themselves and their actions,” Sklenar said, noting that the project “aims to inspire,” as well as “validate,” “acknowledge,” “instill hope,” “build courage,” and “help people feel less alone.”
“At the end of the day, it’s about spreading love and awareness,” he added. “It’s not about once again making women the ‘villains,’ we will get through this together.”
“All I ask is that before you spread hate online, ask yourself who is being helped. Ask yourself if your opinions are based on any facts. Or if you simply want to be a part of something,” Sklenar concluded her post. “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.”
Earlier this month, Sklenar shared that he had a positive experience filming the movie and praised Baldoni for juggling his many roles — actor, director and producer — on the project.
“The whole team he put together was incredible,” said the actor. People at the time. “Everyone on this film is at the top of their game in every aspect. It was a really nice environment to work in.”
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