Brandon Sklenar faces Online Hate for Speaking out on ‘It Ends With Us’ Drama
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Actor Brandon Sklenar is reflecting on the backlash he received after addressing the turmoil surrounding the 2024 movie “It Ends With Us,” which starred Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sklenar, aged 35, disclosed that he encountered significant negativity online following a post on Instagram urging fans to practice kindness. He shared, “‘You’re a piece of s—,’ ‘I hope you die,’ ‘I hope your career ends,’ things like that,” recounting the hateful comments directed towards him.
During the movie’s press tour in August 2024, just four months prior to Lively, 38, suing Baldoni, 41, and associates over allegations of sexual harassment and a smear campaign, Sklenar penned a message on Instagram to address the controversies circulating online at the time. Speculation had arisen about a possible discord between Baldoni, who denied Lively’s accusations, and his co-star. Notably, they did not pose together at the film’s premiere despite their lead roles in the movie, which Baldoni also directed, sparking fan reactions and alliances.
In his Instagram post, Sklenar reiterated the powerful message of hope, perseverance, and empowerment for women championed by “It Ends With Us” author Colleen Hoover and the female cast members. He emphasised the importance of not demonising individuals who poured their passion into the film, as it detracts from the core message it aims to convey. Sklenar clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that his intent was not to incite controversy but to refocus attention on the film’s ethos and discourage hateful rhetoric.
Despite advice from his agent to avoid online discourse, Sklenar admitted to succumbing to curiosity and engaging with the feedback. He likened the experience to listening to a multitude of voices expressing opinions about him in a crowded room, highlighting the impact of social media interactions. Following Lively’s subsequent legal actions against Baldoni, Sklenar amplified her voice by sharing her complaint on his Instagram Stories and urging followers to peruse the report’s details in The New York Times, emphasising the gravity of the situation.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet of the Vanity Fair Oscar party, Sklenar expressed empathy for the challenging circumstances and extended support to Lively. Stressing the importance of remembering the film’s essence, rooted in themes of love, female empowerment, and resilience through adversity, he hoped to refocus attention on the movie’s intent amid the legal battle between the co-stars. Sklenar, currently starring in the thriller “The Housemaid” alongside Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney, reaffirmed his commitment to honouring the film’s core ethos.
Director Paul Feig praised Sklenar’s talent, crediting a glowing recommendation from Lively following their collaboration on prior projects as instrumental in casting decisions for “The Housemaid.” Feig commended Sklenar’s skills, highlighting Lively’s endorsement as testament to his exceptional abilities. As Lively and Baldoni gear up for their upcoming trial at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, scheduled for May 18, 2026, with the former seeking $160 million in damages, the industry remains abuzz with speculation and support for those involved in the legal proceedings.