Brandon Sklenar advocates for women behind It ends with us amid the recent controversy surrounding the film raging online.
The actor, who played Atlas Corrigan in the film based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling 2016 book, took to his Instagram on Tuesday to “address everything circulating online,” which erupted when fans speculated about a potential breakup between director-star Justin Baldoni and producer-star 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 vilify 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 the purpose of the film. It’s actually the opposite of what it’s about.”
He added: “What happened or didn’t happen behind the scenes should not, and I hope, detract from our intentions in making this film. It’s disheartening to see the amount of negativity 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 rift between the filmmakers. Sources later said The Hollywood Reporter There was a split in the post-production process, where two different versions of the film emerged, one from Lively and one from Baldoni. However, it is unclear which version is being released in theaters.
Neither Lively nor Baldoni have directly addressed the controversy publicly, but THR It was previously reported that Baldoni had hired Melissa Nathan, a veteran public relations crisis manager, amid the alleged drama.
In her Instagram post, Sklenar added: “Someone very close to me struggled with a relationship that was very similar to Lily’s. I feel a responsibility to bring that relationship to life and help spread that message.”
It ends with uswhich tackles the sensitive subject of domestic violence, follows Lily (Lively) as she learns to rely on her own strength to overcome generational trauma in her life.
“Before I was involved in this film, she had never heard of the book. It was only then that she read it. She credits Colleen’s book and subsequently this film with saving her life,” she added. 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 women who have suffered generational trauma – domestic violence – or who have a hard time looking in the mirror and loving the person they see.”
“The film is a stark reality check for men who need to pull themselves together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions,” Sklenar said, noting that the project is “meant to inspire” as well as “validate,” “recognize,” “instill hope,” “give courage” and “help people feel less alone.”
“Ultimately, it’s about spreading love and awareness,” he added. “It’s not about making women the ‘bad guys’ again, but about moving beyond that together.”
“All I ask is that before you spread hate online, ask yourself who benefits from it. Ask yourself if your opinions are based on facts. Or if you just want to be a part of something,” Sklenar concluded. “Let’s be a part of something better together. Let’s be a part of a new story that’s being written for women and for all people around the world. Lead with love and be kind, please. Brandon.”
Earlier this month, Sklenar shared that he had a positive experience filming the movie and praised Baldoni for juggling his many roles — acting, directing and producing — on the project.
“The whole team he put together was incredible,” the actor said. People “At the time, everyone in this movie is at the top of their game. It was a really nice working environment.”
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