It Ends With Us

Brandon Sklenar is condemning the "negativity" aimed at the women behind the romance drama It Ends With Us amid rumors of drama on set.

The actor, who plays Atlas Corrigan in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, shared a statement on Instagram in defense of his female costars as lead star Blake Lively continues to face scrutiny online. In the post that called out the "disheartening" negativity "being projected online," Sklenar tagged Lively, Jenny Slate, Isabela Ferrer, and Hoover.

"Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves," Sklenar wrote. "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."

Colleen Hoover, Brandon Sklenar and Blake Lively.

Eric Charbonneau/Getty 

"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," he added, stating that "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."

He called the film a "harsh reality check for the men who need to get their shit together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions" — and said it is "meant to inspire." He added, "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."

Directed by star Justin Baldoni, It Ends With Us follows Lively's Lily Bloom who, though eager to break the cycle of abuse she witnessed between her parents, falls in love with an abusive Ryle Kincaid (played by Baldoni) after she moves to Boston to begin her life anew. The film has largely been overshadowed by rumors of a feud on set between stars Lively and Baldoni, allegedly leading to a rift that has seen Baldoni doing press solo while his costars team up on the circuit.

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Lively, though, has been on the receiving end of much of the backlash in recent weeks, with many accusing her of being tone-deaf in her approach to promoting a film about domestic violence. The actress has been accused of spotlighting other brand deals, including the launch of her hair care line, and taking a lighthearted approach to questions pertaining to the film's darker subject matter.

Reps for Lively did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly's request for comment.

Read Sklenar's full statement above.