Blake Lively’s co-star furiously defends her over ‘vilifying’ It Ends With Us backlash-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro

Blake Lively has come under fire during the It Ends With Us press run (Picture: Shutterstock)

Blake Lively has been defended by her It Ends With Us co-star after being met with a huge wave of backlash online.

Over the last few weeks, the Gossip Girl star sparked criticism for her actions throughout the press tour for the controversial movie, an adaption of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling 2016 book of the same name.

The 36-year-old appears as Lily Bloom in the flick opposite director Justin Baldoni’s Ryle Kincaid, and the story focuses on their budding romance as it sours and becomes abusive.

Shortly before the release this month, the cast were met with rumors of animosity on set and secret feuds – speculation only grew when fans noticed ‘tension’ at multiple red carpets, leading Justin, 40, to hire a PR crisis manager.

Although neither have addressed the claims publicly, Blake has been faced with intense scrutiny over her promotional efforts – including not highlighting the reality of domestic abuse against women, while instead focusing on her character’s wardrobe.

Many have taken the opportunity to dig deep into the archives to uncover a series of past interviews in which she made reporters feel ‘uncomfortable’, while also using slurs in another chat.

Brandon Sklenar rushed to her defense on social media (Picture: Getty)

In the wake of the drama, Brandon Sklenar, who stars as Atlas Corrigan, shared a lengthy statement calling out the ‘vilifying’ of the women involved in the making of the film.

‘I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online,’ the 34-year-old began the message on Instagram. ‘Colleen and all the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves.

‘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.

Justin Baldoni directed and starred in the controversial flick (Picture: Getty)

‘What may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not and hopefully should not detract from what our intentions were when making this film. It’s been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online [sic].’

‘Someone very close to me has been struggling with a relationship that has mirrored Lilly’s closely,’ he continued. ‘I feel a responsibility to bring this to life and help spread that message further.

‘Prior to my involvement in this film, she had not heard of the book. It was only then that she read it. She credits Colleens book and subsequently this film with saving her life.

Blake has faced huge scrutiny on social media (Picture: AFP)

It Ends With Us has raked in nearly $200million at the global box office (Picture: Sony)

‘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 in making this. A responsibility to all the women who have experienced generational trauma – domestic abuser – or struggle with looking in the mirror and loving who they see.

‘This movie is a harsh reality check for the men who need to get their s**t together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions.’

Brandon urged: ‘This film is meant to inspire. It’s meant to validate and recognize. It’s meant to instill hope. It’s meant to build courage and help people feel less alone. Ultimately it’s meant to spread love and awareness. It is not meant to once again, make the women the “bad guy”, let’s move beyond that together.

Blake revealed that Ryan (pictured here with Brandon) rewrote some of the scenes (Picture: Reuters)

‘All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who its 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.

He ended the message by urging fans to ‘lead with love and please be kind’, but has taken the comments off.

It Ends With Us was released in cinemas earlier this month and has become a success at the global box office – Variety reports that it has raked in more than $180million at the global box office.

However, it was released amid swirling rumors of a feud on set, which were not dampened when eagle-eyed fans noticed that the cast did not take pictures with Justin at any of the promotional events and do not follow him on social media, while he is still currently following them.

Brandon completed interviews with Blake during the promotional trail (Picture: Getty)

Justin has yet to speak out over the drama (Picture: Getty)

Jenny Slate raised eyebrows when she appeared to ignore a journalist’s question about working with the filmmaker in front of the camera, while Blake and author Colleen introduced the movie at a screening.

Blake later revealed that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, had rewritten some of the material in the final version, with reports in the Hollywood Reporter suggesting that she had also commissioned her own cut of the film from Deadpool & Wolverine editor Shane Reid.

Although Justin has not spoken publicly about the allegations, he has used much of the press tour to highlight domestic abuse charities – something his co-star was called out for remaining silent over.

He also tipped her to take over the reins of the next movie, telling Entertainment Tonight: ‘I think there are better people for that one.

‘I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct. That’s what I think.’

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