A heartfelt move, actor Brandon Sklenar has stepped forward to defend Blake Lively, his co-star in the newly released film It Ends with Us, against the growing wave of online backlash. Sklenar, who stars alongside Lively in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, took to Instagram to address the criticisms that have been directed not only at the film but also at Lively personally.
In an open letter posted on Tuesday, Sklenar expressed his disappointment over the negativity surrounding the film and Lively. “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,” he wrote. Sklenar emphasized that the criticism detracts from the film’s core message and the hard work invested by everyone involved.
It Ends with Us tells the poignant story of Lily Bloom, played by Lively, a woman grappling with the complexities of domestic abuse and self-identity. Despite the film’s massive success at the box office, grossing $187 million worldwide, it has been criticized by some for its perceived soft portrayal of spousal abuse, which some reviewers have called “far too clean and calm.” However, Sklenar believes that the film’s intent is to instill hope and bring light to difficult conversations.
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Much of the controversy has centered around Lively herself, who has faced scrutiny for various reasons, including allegations of a behind-the-scenes feud with the film’s director, Justin Baldoni. Additionally, some of Lively’s social media posts promoting the film, alongside her personal brands, have also drawn criticism, as have past interviews where she reportedly used problematic language.
Without naming Lively directly, Sklenar’s post urged critics to reflect on their actions and the impact of their words. “All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it’s helping,” he wrote. “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.”
Sklenar’s defense of Lively and the film is a reminder of the challenges faced by actors and filmmakers when their work is met with public scrutiny. As It Ends with Us continues to spark conversation, Sklenar’s plea highlights the importance of constructive criticism and the need for empathy in discussions about sensitive subjects.
By focusing on the film’s intention to offer hope and raise awareness about domestic abuse, Sklenar hopes to shift the narrative from negativity to one that encourages understanding and positive change. As the discourse continues, his words serve as a call for compassion and thoughtful reflection in the digital age.
