It Ends With Us' Brandon Sklenar Defends Blake Lively Against People 'Vilifying' Her, Asks Fans to Stop Spreading Hate
Brandon Sklenar is speaking out to defend It Ends With Us co-star Blake Lively and author Colleen Hoover against all of the hate they’re receiving on the internet.
Blake has been criticized for how she handled the press tour of the movie, during which she rarely spoke about the domestic violence storyline of the film. She was also slammed for launching her haircare brand during the weeks leading up to the movie release.
In addition, there have been tons of rumors about drama happening behind-the-scenes on the project. It appears there was a feud between the cast and director Justin Baldoni.
Brandon took to his Instagram account on Tuesday (August 20) to release a lengthy statement responding to all of the drama and trying to get fans to focus on the message in the movie.
Keep reading to find out more…
Read the full statement below…
Hey everyone,
I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online.
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. 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.
Someone very close to me has been struggling with a relationship that has mirrored Lilly’s closely. 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.
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.
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.
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 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