00:00It ends with us star Brandon Sklenar is breaking his silence following the recent
00:04controversy swirling online involving the film's cast and creatives.
00:08Internet rumors ignited when fans speculated a potential rift between director-star Justin
00:13Baldoni and star producer Blake Lively. And now the actor who played Atlas Corrigan in the film,
00:18based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 novel, took to his Instagram on Tuesday to finally address it all
00:24and specifically defend the women behind the project. Sklenar wrote in a lengthy statement,
00:29Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a
00:34better life for themselves. Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into
00:38making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and
00:43detracts from what this film is about. It is, in fact, the opposite of the point."
00:48Lively and Baldoni have been the subjects of negative headlines since the film's release on
00:52August 9, after fans initially started speculating about a potential behind-the-scenes rift between
00:57the filmmakers. Sources later told The Hollywood Reporter that a fracture happened in the post-production
01:02process wherein two different cuts of the movie emerged, one from Lively and another from Baldoni.
01:08However, it's unclear which cut is playing in theaters. Rumors also surfaced that Lively was
01:13made to feel uncomfortable by Baldoni on set, while others online have come to defend the actor's
01:18character and criticize Lively for failing to appropriately address the movie's central topic
01:23of domestic violence, and instead using a more lighthearted approach, and focusing the film
01:28marketing on fashion, encouraging viewers to, quote, grab your friends and wear your florals,
01:33and promote her hair care line, Blake Brown Beauty.
01:41THR previously learned that Baldoni hired veteran PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan amid
01:46all the alleged drama. In his Instagram post, Glenar went on to say that, quote,
01:50Someone very close to me has been struggling with a relationship that has mirrored Lily's
01:54closely. I feel a responsibility to bring this to life and help spread that message further.
01:59The movie is a harsh reality check for the men who need to get their s**t together and take
02:03responsibility for themselves and their actions. Glenar noted that the project is meant to inspire
02:08as well as validate, recognize, instill hope, build courage, and help people feel less alone.
02:14He concluded,
02:15All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it's helping.
02:19Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact,
02:22or if you simply want to be a part of something. Let's be a part of something better together.
02:27For more details on this story, head to THR.com.
02:30And for the latest entertainment news and updates, keep watching The Hollywood Reporter News.
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