Brandon Sklenar found himself in an awkward position 

when addressing the ongoing legal battle between his It Ends With Us co-stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. 

During an interview at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, the 34-year-old actor was asked how he had been supporting Lively amid the controversy. 

However, Sklenar carefully sidestepped the issue, focusing instead on the film’s core message.

Sklenar Treads Lightly on Controversial Topic

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Sklenar acknowledged the situation but avoided taking sides. 

“It’s a tough situation,” he admitted. “I just hope everyone remembers what the movie is about and why we made it in the first place. It’s about love, supporting women, and helping people through difficult times.”

Rather than delving into the legal drama, he emphasized the impact It Ends With Us has had on audiences. “This movie has helped so many people, and I just want people to remember its core message.”

The Legal Battle Between Lively and Baldoni

The controversy erupted in December when Lively, 37, filed a complaint accusing Baldoni, 41, of sexual harassment on set and alleging that he orchestrated a smear campaign against her—claims Baldoni has denied. The legal battle has continued to escalate, drawing significant media attention.

Baldoni responded with a lawsuit of his own in February, accusing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane of defamation and extortion. His lawsuit, reportedly seeking $400 million in damages, has only fueled the growing tension between the involved parties.

Sklenar’s Shifting Stance Over Time

Sklenar has been asked about the controversy multiple times since it first came to light. When the allegations surfaced in December, he initially showed support for Lively by sharing an article about the case on Instagram, writing, “For the love of God, read this,” and tagging Lively with a heart emoji.

However, as the situation became more contentious, Sklenar’s public stance shifted to a more neutral position. When interviewed by Gayle King on CBS Mornings, he was put on the spot and asked, “Are you Team Blake or Team Justin?” Sklenar let out an awkward laugh before responding, “I’m Team It Ends With Us.”

When pressed about how he was handling the ongoing legal drama, Sklenar reiterated his desire to keep the focus on the film’s message rather than the behind-the-scenes conflict. “I just want people to remember why we made the movie in the first place and what it stands for,” he stated.

A Deeper Personal Connection to the Film

Despite his careful navigation of the controversy, Sklenar did share a personal connection to the movie’s themes. “I have someone very close to me who has experienced what [Lively’s character] Lily goes through, and I’ve been on the front lines helping her navigate that,” he revealed. “That movie meant a lot to me and to her. It was one of the reasons I took the role, because it gave her the strength to change her life.”

However, he acknowledged the unfortunate reality that the film’s core message has been overshadowed by the legal drama. “It’s disappointing that things get taken away from what the film is really about and become convoluted.”

A Feud That Many Saw Coming

For those following Hollywood’s social circles, the legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni did not come as a complete shock. Rumors of tension between the two had been circulating for months, with eagle-eyed fans suspecting a falling-out long before the lawsuits were made public.

In a previous social media statement, Sklenar addressed these speculations while urging people to focus on the film’s purpose rather than the drama surrounding it. “Colleen [Hoover] and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and women choosing a better life for themselves,” he wrote.

He also discouraged negativity toward those involved. “Vilifying the women who poured their heart and soul into making this film seems counterproductive. It detracts from what It Ends With Us is truly about. Whatever may have happened behind the scenes should not take away from our original intentions.”

A Hollywood Storm That Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the upcoming release of It Ends With Us. While Sklenar continues to promote the film and emphasize its message, the controversy surrounding Lively and Baldoni threatens to overshadow its intended purpose.

For now, Sklenar appears determined to stay neutral, keeping his focus on the film’s greater message rather than the legal war being waged behind the scenes. However, with the media frenzy showing no signs of dying down, he may not be able to avoid the subject for much longer.

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