Brandon Sklenar condemns those ‘vilifying’ Blake Lively amid It Ends With Us drama

He asked people to stop speculating on ‘what may or may not have happened behind the scenes’

4 months ago

It Ends With Us star Brandon Sklenar, who plays Atlas in the film has rushed to the defence of Blake Lively and Colleen Hoover, slamming those who are “vilifying” them.

Blake in particular has come under fire throughout the press tour for not taking the film’s serious topics seriously, and trying to make it into a more “lighthearted” watch instead. On multiple occasions, she’s been called out for minimising the themes of the film and avoiding serious questions about how it could affect those who have experienced similar things.

Brandon posted a statement on his Instagram, asking people to please stop speculating on “what may or may not have happened” and that bringing down the women involved is “counterproductive.”

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In full, he wrote: “Colleen [Hoover] 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 Colleen’s book and subsequently this film with saving her life.”

Via YouTube

He continued: “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 s–t together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions.”

“This film is meant to inspire. It’s mean 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 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.”

For all the latest news and drama surrounding Brandon Sklenar and Blake Lively in It Ends With Us, plus drops, quizzes and memes, like The Tab on Facebook.