Brandon Sklenar Stands Firm: Defending Blake Lively Amid Justin Baldoni Allegations

The “It Ends With Us” Star Speaks Out on Allegations, Online Negativity, and the Film’s Deeper Message

As the storm surrounding Justin Baldoni intensifies, “It Ends with Us” co-star Brandon Sklenar has publicly shown unwavering support for Blake Lively. The controversy erupted following allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Baldoni, the actor-director of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. On Monday, Sklenar took to Instagram to stand in solidarity with Lively, showcasing his dedication to both his co-star and the film’s message of resilience and empowerment.

A Red Carpet Divide and Social Media Clues

Rumors of discord within the cast surfaced in August at the film’s New York premiere. Observers noted Baldoni’s solo appearance alongside his wife, Emily, while the rest of the cast, including Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and Brandon Sklenar, distanced themselves. Social media added fuel to the fire, with Hoover, Lively, Sklenar, and co-star Jenny Slate all unfollowing Baldoni on Instagram.

The allegations, which surfaced in a Saturday report by The New York Times, accuse Baldoni of inappropriate behavior on set, ranging from violating consent to orchestrating a smear campaign against Lively.

Sklenar’s Statement of Support

Following the explosive revelations, Sklenar posted an Instagram story urging followers to “read this,” tagging Lively with a heart emoji—a clear endorsement of her claims. This public defense comes after his prior statement in August, where he condemned online negativity aimed at Lively and emphasized the importance of the film’s message.

In his August Instagram post, Sklenar reflected on the responsibility the cast felt toward survivors of generational trauma and domestic abuse. “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,” he wrote, highlighting the team’s shared mission to inspire hope and courage.

A Film with a Message of Strength

“It Ends With Us” follows Lily Bloom (Lively), a flower shop owner navigating complex relationships, including with her childhood sweetheart Atlas Corrigan (Sklenar) and neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni). The story’s themes of love, trauma, and healing resonated deeply with the cast, who aimed to honor its sensitive subject matter.

Sklenar’s comments reinforce the film’s intention to spotlight the resilience of women facing generational trauma. He urged fans to redirect their focus to the film’s core message, which centers on hope and empowerment, rather than vilifying its female leads.

A Complicated Legacy

The allegations against Baldoni have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a landmark project for all involved. While the situation remains unresolved, Sklenar’s vocal support for Lively underscores the broader cultural shift within Hollywood—one that prioritizes accountability, respect, and solidarity.

Amid the turbulence, Sklenar’s steadfast defense of his co-star serves as a reminder of the values “It Ends With Us” sought to champion. As he aptly stated, “It’s meant to validate and recognize. It’s meant to instill hope… It’s not meant to make the women the ‘bad guy.’”