Brandon Sklenar recently addressed the ongoing legal dispute between his “It Ends With Us” co-stars, Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, during an interview on “CBS Mornings.”
When host Gayle King asked him whether he sided with Baldoni or Lively, Sklenar responded with a diplomatic and humorous reply, stating, “I’m team ‘It Ends With Us.’”
The 34-year-old actor, who plays Atlas Corrigan in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel,
emphasized that he wants people to remember the purpose behind the movie.
“That movie meant so much to me,” he said. “I just want people to remember why we made the movie in the first place and what it stands for, just keeping the focus on that.”
Sklenar went on to share that the film’s message about domestic violence resonated with him personally, as someone close to him has experienced similar struggles.
“Me doing that film gave her the strength to change her life,” he revealed. “It’s unfortunate that things get taken away from what the ethos of that thing is and it gets convoluted.”
His remarks come amid a high-profile legal battle between Lively and Baldoni. In December 2024, Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, 41, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of “It Ends With Us.” The lawsuit also alleges that Baldoni and his publicists orchestrated a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has denied all accusations.
Sklenar initially appeared to support Lively when he shared a link to her lawsuit on his Instagram Stories, writing, “For the love of God read this,” and tagging Lively with a red heart emoji. However, during his recent interview, he refrained from taking sides publicly, choosing instead to highlight the importance of the film’s message.
The drama surrounding “It Ends With Us” has drawn significant media attention, with many fans weighing in on social media. Some have commended Sklenar for keeping the focus on the film’s broader impact, while others believe he should have taken a clearer stance given his prior public support for Lively.
Despite the controversy, Sklenar remains committed to his work and to the movie’s core themes. “It Ends With Us” explores the complexities of abusive relationships and the strength it takes to break free. The film has generated considerable buzz, not only because of its star-studded cast but also due to the legal battle unfolding off-screen.
Lively and Baldoni, who also serves as the film’s director, were once seen as key figures in bringing Hoover’s novel to life. However, the allegations have cast a shadow over the project. Lively’s legal team has argued that her accusations are backed by substantial evidence, while Baldoni’s representatives have maintained that he is innocent and that the claims are an attempt to damage his reputation.
Adding another layer to the situation, actor Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, has also been vocal about the controversy. In a recent appearance on “SNL 50,” Reynolds made a pointed joke about the lawsuit, which reportedly caught Baldoni’s legal team off guard. The remark further fueled public discussion about the case, with many speculating about its potential impact on Hollywood’s handling of similar situations in the future.
Meanwhile, Sklenar has kept his comments measured, reiterating that his primary concern is ensuring that audiences recognize the significance of “It Ends With Us.” His careful approach suggests a desire to remain neutral while still acknowledging the film’s importance in raising awareness about domestic abuse.
As the legal battle continues, the fate of “It Ends With Us” remains uncertain. The film, originally slated for a major theatrical release, may now face challenges in its promotion and reception. Industry experts have speculated that the controversy could either overshadow or amplify the movie’s impact, depending on how audiences respond.
For now, Sklenar’s focus remains on the film’s message and the positive influence it has had on people’s lives. “It’s about more than just a movie,” he said. “It’s about giving people hope and strength.” Whether his co-stars’ legal dispute will affect the film’s legacy remains to be seen, but Sklenar’s commitment to its core themes is clear.
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