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Brandon Sklenar<\/strong> wants to put an end to the drama surrounding It Ends With Us<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n The actor, 34, broke his silence regarding the criticism the film\u2019s women have received for their approach to It Ends With Us<\/em>\u2019 sensitive topics. In a passionate letter shared via Instagram<\/a> on Tuesday, August 20, he began by saying that he wanted to \u201caddress all this stuff swirling online\u201d before going on to defend author Colleen Hoover<\/strong>, who wrote the 2016 novel that inspired the movie, as well as stars Blake Lively<\/strong>, Isabela Ferrer<\/strong> and Jenny Slate<\/strong>. Brandon tagged the women in his post.<\/p>\n \u201cColleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves,\u201d he wrote. \u201cVilifying 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.\u201d<\/p>\n It Ends With Us<\/em> stars Blake, 36, as a florist named Lily Bloom who enters an abusive relationship with an aspiring neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni<\/strong>. Justin, 40, also directed the film. Brandon plays Atlas, a man from Lily\u2019s past who reenters her life.<\/p>\n Brandon also hinted at the rumors of drama among the cast<\/a> members, writing, \u201cWhat 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. It\u2019s been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online.\u201d<\/p>\n Fans speculated that Justin had distanced himself from the rest of the cast when he did not appear alongside his fellow stars at many of the press events ahead of the film\u2019s August 9 release. Colleen, 44, and some of the cast members also reportedly unfollowed the filmmaker on Instagram. It was rumored that Justin did not agree<\/a> with using a \u201cfluff\u201d press run that emphasized fashion to promote a movie that addressed domestic violence.<\/p>\n Brandon continued in his letter, \u201cSomeone very close to me has been struggling with a relationship that has mirrored Lily\u2019s closely. 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 Colleen\u2019s book and subsequently this film with saving her life.\u201d<\/p>\n The actor added that there was not \u201ca single person involved in the making of this film\u201d who did not know about \u201cthe responsibility we had in making this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA responsibility to all the women who have experienced generational trauma \u2014 Domestic abuse \u2014 Or struggle with looking in the mirror and loving who they see,\u201d Brandon wrote. \u201cThis movie is a harsh reality check for the men who need to get their s\u2013t together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions.\u201d<\/p>\n Brandon added that It Ends With Us<\/em> is \u201cmeant to inspire, validate and recognize, instill hope, build courage and help people feel less alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUltimately, it\u2019s meant to spread love and awareness. It is not meant to once again, make the women the \u2018bad guy,\u2019 let\u2019s move beyond that together,\u201d he concluded. \u201cAll I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it\u2019s helping. Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact. Or if you simply want to be a part of something. Let\u2019s be a part of something better together. A part of a new story being written for women and all people everywhere. Lead with Love and please be Kind.\u201d<\/p>\n If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n