Brandon Sklenar found himself in the midst of a whirlwind of drama when he unintentionally became involved in the legal battle between his “It Ends With Us” costars, Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. The 35-year-old actor, who portrayed Atlas Corrigan in the 2024 film, opened up about the unexpected turn of events in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Sklenar revealed that his visibility skyrocketed after the release of the film, leading to a surge of online hate directed towards him. In an effort to promote positivity and support his fellow cast members, Sklenar took to Instagram during the August 2024 press tour to ask fans to be kinder and focus on the message of the film.
Despite his well-intentioned plea for compassion, Sklenar was met with a barrage of negative comments and threats. The actor shared that he received messages telling him to “die” and that his career should end. The backlash was overwhelming, with Sklenar’s agent advising him to stay offline to avoid the toxic environment.
The drama surrounding “It Ends With Us” stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment made by Blake Lively against director and costar Justin Baldoni. Lively, who also served as a producer on the film, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of misconduct. In response, Baldoni filed a countersuit seeking $400 million in damages.
The public feud between Lively and Baldoni played out in the media for months, with both parties trading accusations and legal actions. Ultimately, a judge dismissed Baldoni’s countersuit, but the original lawsuit is still pending, set to go to trial in New York in March 2026.
Through it all, Sklenar has remained supportive of his castmates, particularly Lively, whom he publicly backed amid the ongoing legal battle. Despite the challenges and negativity he faced, Sklenar continues to focus on the message of the film and the importance of standing up for what is right.
As the legal battle continues to unfold, Sklenar remains hopeful that the true meaning of “It Ends With Us” will not be overshadowed by the controversy. The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, tackles themes of domestic abuse and empowerment, shedding light on important issues that resonate with audiences. Sklenar’s experience serves as a reminder of the impact of online hate and the importance of standing up for justice and positivity in the face of adversity. The new article titled “For the Love of Acting: Sklenar’s Success Amidst Controversy” delves into the latest developments in actor Sklenar’s career and personal life. Despite the initial scandal surrounding his request for kindness and his connection to the “It Ends With Us” lawsuit, Sklenar has managed to move past the turmoil and secure several successful roles in the entertainment industry.
One of Sklenar’s noteworthy collaborations was with actress Meghann Fahy in the 2025 film “Drop.” Following this project, he joined forces with Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney for the upcoming movie “The Housemaid,” set to premiere in theaters this week. During the filming of “The Housemaid,” Sklenar formed a strong bond with Sweeney, with both actors sharing experiences of unwarranted attention, similar to the controversy surrounding “It Ends With Us.”
In an interview with THR, Sklenar opened up about his conversations with Sweeney regarding the challenges they faced in the industry. Sweeney, who faced backlash over an American Eagle jeans ad accused of promoting eugenics, addressed the controversy by emphasizing her love for the brand and denouncing any association with harmful ideologies. She expressed her commitment to unity and condemned hate and divisiveness.
The article highlights the resilience and determination of Sklenar and Sweeney in navigating the complexities of fame and public scrutiny. Despite facing challenges and controversies, both actors continue to prioritize their craft and advocate for positivity and inclusivity in the entertainment world. Their unwavering dedication to their work and values serve as a testament to their professionalism and integrity in the face of adversity.
