Brandon Sklenar, the 34-year-old actor known for his role as Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us, has recently attempted to steer clear of the ongoing drama surrounding his co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
After being questioned at the airport about whether he had any supportive words for his fellow cast members, Sklenar responded with a brief yet telling comment: “lead with love and compassion.”
He then walked away toward the baggage claim area, giving little away about his stance on the controversy.
A Controversy That Has Been Brewing for Months
This cryptic statement comes more than a month after Sklenar made headlines by awkwardly sidestepping questions about the legal battles and tensions between Lively and Baldoni.
The drama officially began in December when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of their film.
She also alleged that Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her, allegations that he has vehemently denied.
The situation has continued to unfold ever since, drawing public attention and widespread media coverage.
Initially, Sklenar seemed supportive of Lively, particularly after the New York Times article detailing her accusations.
In response to the report, he posted a link to the article on his Instagram Stories, urging his followers to read it and tagging Lively with a red heart emoji beside her name.
However, as the legal dispute has continued to develop, Sklenar’s comments have become more cautious and measured.
Sklenar Keeps His Distance from the Drama
In March, during an interview at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, Sklenar was asked how he had been supporting Lively through the ordeal.
Although he acknowledged the situation was “tough,” he deflected the question, instead choosing to highlight the broader message of It Ends With Us.
He explained that the film was about love, supporting women, and helping others through difficult times, adding that it had touched many people in meaningful ways.
“I just hope everyone remembers what the movie is about and why we made it in the first place,” he said, emphasizing the film’s core ethos.
The topic resurfaced during an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, where Sklenar was directly asked whether he was “Team Blake or Team Justin.”
After a brief awkward laugh, Sklenar replied, “I’m Team It Ends With Us,” steering the conversation back to the film’s purpose rather than engaging with the personal drama.
Addressing the Bigger Picture
Sklenar has consistently avoided taking sides in the public feud between Lively and Baldoni.
He has instead focused on the film’s message, stressing that the story is about helping people and supporting women through tough experiences.
“I have someone very close to me who’s gone through what [Lively’s character Lily] is going through for a long time,” Sklenar explained, pointing out that the film meant a great deal to both him and his loved one.
He described how the movie had given his friend the strength to change her life, making it clear that he sees the film’s impact as far more important than the behind-the-scenes drama.
A Call for Compassion Amidst the Controversy
In a lengthy Instagram post, Sklenar urged fans not to let the negative narrative surrounding the film overshadow its intended message of hope and resilience.
He asked followers not to “vilify” the women involved in the project, emphasizing that the heart of the story is about empowering women and helping them choose better lives for themselves.
“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 wrote.
Sklenar also took a moment to reflect on the responsibility he felt in bringing this story to life, particularly given its themes of domestic abuse and generational trauma.
He stressed that the film’s purpose was to inspire, validate, and instill hope, while also challenging men to take responsibility for their actions.
In conclusion, he reminded his followers, “Lead with love and please be kind.”
Moving Beyond the Drama
Despite the ongoing legal battles and public tensions, Sklenar remains focused on the bigger picture.
He continues to encourage fans to keep the film’s message at the forefront and avoid spreading negativity online.
“Before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it’s helping,” he said, calling for a collective effort to create a better narrative for women and for all people everywhere.
“Let’s be a part of something better together,” he urged, emphasizing that the true purpose of the film is to foster love, awareness, and compassion.