‘It Ends With Us’ actor Brandon Sklenar is weighing in on . Sklenar, who plays Atlas, the former high school boyfriend of Blake Lively's character, Lily, in the hit movie, posted a lengthy statement Aug. 20 defending Lively, author Colleen Hoover and other women involved in the project from online attacks.
“I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online,” Sklenar wrote. “Colleen 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.
It is, in fact, the opposite of the point.” "It Ends With Us," which is tells the story of a couple whose seemingly perfect romance is destroyed by domestic abuse. The movie has been dogged by reports of , who also directed.
In his statement, Sklenar wrote that whatever "may or may not have happened behind the scenes" during shooting of the movie, "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," he wrote. Moviegoers began speculating about after noticing that the two co-stars were not participating in promotional activities and interviews together.
Lively and other cast members also didn’t pose for photos with Baldoni at the movie’s New York premiere on Aug. 6. Online sleuths have noticed that Lively, Hoover and other cast members follow each other — but not Baldoni — on Instagram, which has further flamed the rumors.
Lively and Baldoni have not commented about their alleged feud, though Baldoni praised Lively during for her "smart and creative" contributions to his film. As the rift rumors escalated, Lively began from online critics who say her behavior during promotional interviews about "This Ends With Us" has been at odds with the film's serious subject matter. The former "Gossip Girl" star was also blasted for launching a new hair care line during the film's promotion.
Some critics have , who has repeatedly addressed his desire to shine a light on domestic abuse during interviews. Meanwhile, author Hoover has come under fire after online critics began accusing her of romanticizing domestic violence. In his statement, Sklenar assured fans that everyone involved in the movie takes its "message" about domestic violence seriously.
“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 wrote. “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 added that the movie was also a "harsh reality check" for "the men who need to get their s--- together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions.
" “This film is meant to inspire. It’s meant to validate and recognize. It’s meant to instill hope.
It’s meant to build courage and help people feel less alone. Ultimately 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," he wrote.
Sklenar concluded by saying, "All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it's helping. Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact. Or if you simply 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.” He signed his statement, "Lead with Love and please be kind.
Brandon.” Gina Vivinetto is a writer for TODAY.com.
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