Blake Lively's 'It Ends With Us' Co-Star Defends Her Amid Unending Backlash

Not on my watch! Blake Lively's co-star, Brandon Sklenar, will not let the public backlash against her continue!

The actor took to Instagram to defend his "It Ends With Us" co-star amid the intense public scrutiny on her role in the flick and comments in past interviews.

Brandon Sklenar's comments come after rumors of a feud between Blake Lively and the movie's director and male lead, Justin Baldoni, trailed the movie's release.

The actor penned down a stern statement on his Instagram page condemning the bad comments passed at the actress since the movie's release, partly writing:

"I wanted to take a minute and address all this stiff swirling online. Collen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves."

His lengthy message continued, "Vilifying 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."

Sklenar stated how someone close to him has also been a victim of domestic violence, which Lively's character portrayed in the film, and it makes him feel a need to bring the role to life and help spread awareness against it.

His decision was the right one, as Sklenar revealed that his friend has now read the book, which the movie was adapted from, due to his involvement in the film, and credits the film with "saving her life."

The actor informed his followers and fans that everyone featured in the film understood the responsibility and sacrifice it required, adding: "A responsibility to all the women who have experienced generational trauma- Domestic abuse- or struggle with looking in the mirror and loving who they are."

Sklenar explained that the movie was meant to "inspire, validate,  recognize," and give hope to victims of domestic violence.

"It's meant to build courage and help people help 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," he declared.

The 34-year-old concluded the statement with a final request for his fans and wrote: "All i ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it is helping. Ask yourself if your opinions are basedon any fact. Or if you simply want to be a part of something."

He encouraged the public to unite and "be a part of something better.. A part of a new story being written for women and all people everywhere."

The movie's release opened a can of worms as the internet scrutinized Lively's past deeds. The Blast shared that a video of a mystery person gifting her a pink beaded bracelet at the London premiere of "It Ends With Us" earlier in the month went viral on TikTok.

However, the mother-of-four passed the gift to someone else, claiming that it does not match her outfit. Her co-star Isabela Ferrer also got a friendship bracelet, but tried it on and excitedly told the fan, "Thank you! Oh my God, I'm going to put it on."

The situation led to fans comparing Lively to Ferrer, who mostly described Lively as a mean person. The 36-year-old was also condemned for her comments in an interview with a "rude" journalist and another talk with Kjersti Flaa alongside her "Cafe Society" co-star, Parker Posey, in 2016.

Flaa contributed to the developing conversation about the 9-year-old interview and called it "the most uncomfortable situation" she has ever been in, and Lively made her consider quitting her job.

The actress got chatty in the Elle Magazine quiz, talking about dressing up her future children and using an unpleasant term. The fan posted a picture of the interview on X and captioned it:

"Sometimes ill [sic] be quietly going about my day and then ill [sic] remember the time Blake lively said this to a journalist."

Lively's statement read: "I hope to have a few girls one day. If not girls, they better be tr-nnies. Because I have some amazing shoes and bags and stories that need to be appreciated."

The term has since been widely tagged as outdated and offensive, and some fans are arguing in her favor that she meant no harm and may not have realized the gravity of her statement at that time.

Lively took her role as a producer on the million-dollar flick very seriously, and The Blast reported that she was described as a "creative tour de force" on the movie set. 

Her commitment was reportedly influenced by the overwhelmingness of the movie's first trailer, and Sony executives okayed her every move to upgrade the production.

The actress reportedly introduced other themes in the movie, including love lost and found and the unique differences of a woman's relationship with an empowered woman.

The fashion icon also edited, marketed, rewrote, and managed the social media campaigns for the movie. She reportedly helped create a BTS playlist and a Spotify selection for "It Ends With Us."

She even got her bestie and pop superstar Taylor Swift involved by getting permission to use her hit single "My Tears Richochet" in the movie. 

Blake Lively has navigated most of the public outbursts against her with complete silence, and no one knows for sure if she will say something soon!