Brandon Sklenar, best known for his role alongside Blake Lively in It Ends With Us, 

found himself in an uncomfortable situation at the Vanity Fair Oscars party over the weekend. 

During an interview, he was asked about his support for Lively amid her ongoing legal dispute with co-star and producer Justin Baldoni. 

However, Sklenar carefully avoided taking sides, instead redirecting the conversation toward the film’s broader message.

Sklenar Avoids Controversy During Interview

The actor was questioned about how he had been “supporting” Lively throughout the legal ordeal. 

However, instead of directly answering, he appeared hesitant and briefly acknowledged the difficulty of the situation. “It’s a tough situation,” he admitted.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Sklenar then pivoted to the significance of the film’s message. “I just hope everyone remembers what the movie is about and why we made it in the first place,” he stated. “It’s about love, and it’s about supporting women in general and helping people through tough times. That movie has helped so many people, and I just want people to remember what it’s about and why we made it—to keep it focused on that core ethos.”

The Legal Battle Between Lively and Baldoni

Sklenar’s comments come in the midst of a heated legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Lively, 37, has accused Baldoni, 41, of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With Us, followed by an alleged smear campaign against her. The allegations have sparked significant media attention, with Baldoni vehemently denying any wrongdoing.

In response to Lively’s claims, Baldoni has taken legal action of his own, filing a counter-lawsuit worth $400 million. He alleges that Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, engaged in civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. The case has become a high-profile dispute, drawing widespread speculation and debate within the entertainment industry.

Sklenar’s Neutral Stance

Brandon Sklenar, who played Atlas Corrigan—Lively’s love interest in the film—has been repeatedly questioned about the legal feud since it first became public. However, he has consistently maintained a neutral stance, refusing to align himself with either party.

During a previous interview with journalist Gayle King, Sklenar was asked whose side he was on. Rather than taking a definitive position, he tactfully responded, “I’m Team It Ends With Us.” His reply emphasized his commitment to the film’s story and its impact rather than the controversy surrounding its stars.

Expanding on this, Sklenar shared that the film held personal significance for him due to his own experiences. “I have someone very close to me who has gone through what [Lively’s character] Lily is experiencing for a long time,” he revealed. “I’ve been on the front lines helping her navigate that space, so this movie meant a lot to me—and it means a lot to her. It was one of the reasons that me doing this movie gave her the strength to change her life.”

A Film Overshadowed by Legal Disputes

It Ends With Us, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was one of the most anticipated film adaptations in recent years. The story, which explores themes of domestic abuse, resilience, and love, resonated with millions of readers worldwide. However, the legal battle between its two leading stars has cast a shadow over the film’s release, diverting attention from its intended message.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Sklenar remains focused on promoting the film’s impact rather than engaging in legal debates. His careful approach in interviews highlights the delicate nature of the situation, as well as the difficulty for those caught in the middle of such a high-profile dispute.

What’s Next?

As legal proceedings continue between Lively and Baldoni, the fate of It Ends With Us remains uncertain. Whether the film’s release and reception will be affected by the controversy is yet to be seen. Meanwhile, Sklenar appears determined to avoid being pulled into the drama, choosing instead to emphasize the movie’s emotional depth and its significance for those who relate to its themes.

For now, audiences and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds—and whether the focus will ultimately shift back to the film’s powerful story rather than the legal battle surrounding its stars.

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