Brand’s Statement: Defending Blake Lively and Addressing Online Controversy

It ends with us.
Star Brandon Sklar breaks silence and defends Blake Lively
and calls out Justin Baldoni in new statement. Girl,
I’m still on vocal rest, so please excuse the A I. Voices,
but, you know,
I still gotta spill tea. Check out his statement.
And don’t forget to follow.
Hey, everyone,
I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online.
Colleen and 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.
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.
It’s been disheartening
to see the amount of negativity being projected online.
Someone very close to me has been struggling with a relationship
that has mirrored Lily’s 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’s book and subsequently this film,
with saving her life. 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 abuse,
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 shit together
and take responsibility for themselves and their actions.
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.
All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet,
ask yourself who it’s 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. Lead with love and please be kind. Brand.