Actor Brandon Sklenar has spoken out in support of his co-star Blake Lively amidst the "disheartening" backlash surrounding their film's press tour. In a lengthy post on Instagram, Sklenar addressed the negativity directed towards Lively, author Colleen Hoover, and the rest of the cast, emphasizing their commitment to spreading hope and women's empowerment.

Sklenar began his post by acknowledging the swirling online discussions and controversies surrounding the press tour for "It Ends With Us," an adaptation of Hoover's book. He highlighted the perseverance and dedication of the women involved in the film, who strongly believe in the message it portrays - that women have the right to choose a better life for themselves.

Expressing his disappointment at the vilification of the cast and crew, Sklenar argued that it undermines the very essence of what the film stands for. He firmly stated that the recent headlines were missing the point entirely and cryptically alluded to unverified rumors behind the scenes, emphasizing that they should not detract from the intentions and impact of the film.

The actor's statement comes in the wake of rumors suggesting a feud between Lively, the film's director and male lead, Justin Baldoni. Additionally, Lively has faced criticism for discussing her personal projects while promoting a movie that addresses the sensitive issue of domestic violence.

Sklenar's post also mentioned resurfaced interviews where Lively faced backlash for her behavior towards reporters and the use of transgender slurs. While both Lively and Baldoni have remained silent about the headlines, Sklenar's defense of his co-star serves as a strong voice of support amidst the controversy.

Sklenar further emphasized that the cast and crew were well aware of the weight of the movie's serious themes and the responsibility they shared in portraying them accurately. He stressed that the purpose of "It Ends With Us" was to serve as a reality check for men, urging them to take responsibility for their actions and spread love and awareness rather than portraying women as the "bad guys."

In conclusion, Sklenar appealed to his followers to refrain from spreading hate online and directed a plea for unity towards a better understanding of the film's core message. Notably, Sklenar's decision to conduct interviews separately from Baldoni, instead choosing Lively, Jenny Slate, Isabela Ferrer, and others, has sparked intrigue within the industry.

Sklenar's impassioned defense of Blake Lively showcases the strong camaraderie and support within the cast of "It Ends With Us" amidst the controversies surrounding its press tour. As the film continues to spark discussions on important societal issues, it remains to be seen how the public will perceive and respond to the actors' statements and the movie itself.