The It Ends With Us drama has been dominating our algorithms for the past fortnight, moving from a rumoured rift between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to an all-out public scrutiny of Blake’s promotional run. Now, costar Brandon Sklenar has addressed the criticism.
Taking to Instagram this week, Brandon released an online statement to discuss for “vilifying the women of this cast” is “counterproductive” to the film’s message.
Why are people criticising Blake Lively?
This month, Blake has been gradually dragged online for interviews, including one where she tells the audience to “wear their florals” for a film about domestic violence.
Old interviews have also been surfacing including one where she is rude to an interviewer and one where she makes a transphobic slur.
In one interview, the interviewer asks how those who personally resonate with It Ends With Us‘ themes can go about discussing it with Blake, to which she jokes about sharing her location or address alongside Brandon, who plays love interest Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us.
What did Brandon Sklenar’s statement say?
“I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online,” 34-year-old Brandon wrote in an image uploaded to his Instagram account.
“The women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves,” he continued.
“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.”
For weeks, rumours have been circling of creative differences between Blake, who plays lead actress Lily Bloom in It Ends With Us, and Justin, the director and also the lead actor playing the role of Ryle Kincaid.
When he was asked about an It Starts With Us movie — the It Ends With Us sequel — Justin suggested Blake as director.
“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,” Brandon said.
“It’s been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online.”
He called for people to stop spreading hate online and to remind themselves of the core message of the film.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Read Brandon’s entire post here.
It Ends With Us is in cinemas worldwide now.
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