The It Ends With Us legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has taken many unexpected turns. Amidst accusations and counter-accusations one costar Brandon Sklenar has offered his perspective. Sklenar stated he is on "Team It Ends With Us." This comment raises a question: Is true neutrality possible or even plausible in such a heated situation?
Sklenar's statement comes as the legal fight intensifies. Lively has filed an amended complaint adding a defamation claim. Baldoni is pushing back just as strongly. The conflict which started with on-set tension has escalated into a full-blown legal and public relations war. Sklenar finding himself in the middle tried to navigate this complex situation with a seemingly diplomatic answer. However looking closer at past actions and the gravity of the allegations makes one wonder if "Team It Ends With Us" is genuinely neutral or a carefully chosen stance.
Brandon Sklenar Claims "Team It Ends With Us" Stance
Focusing On Movie's Message Or Sidestepping Conflict?
Brandon Sklenar playing Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us spoke on CBS Mornings about the controversy. He expressed a desire to shift focus back to the movie 's core message. Sklenar stated he wants people to remember why they made the movie and what it represents. He emphasized the movie's personal meaning for him due to someone close to him experiencing similar situations as the character Lily Bloom.
Sklenar revealed that working on the film provided strength to someone he knows personally to change her life. He expressed disappointment that the original intent and message were overshadowed by offscreen drama. He used a phrase "Team It Ends With Us" laughing slightly implying a desire to stay out of the direct conflict between Lively and Baldoni.
Sklenar's Previous Support For Blake Lively
"For the Love of God Read This" - A Story Link On Instagram
While Sklenar now claims neutrality past actions suggest a different picture. Back in December 2024 after Lively initially filed her legal complaint Sklenar seemingly showed support for her. He shared a link to a New York Times article detailing Lively’s complaint on his Instagram story. Alongside the link Sklenar wrote "For the love of God read this" and added a heart emoji.
This action at the time was widely interpreted as a clear sign of support for Lively. Sharing a link to an article detailing serious allegations and urging followers to "read this" is hardly a neutral act. It indicated at minimum that Sklenar found Lively's claims credible and important. This earlier show of support contrasts with his recent "Team It Ends With Us" stance creating a sense of possible shift in public posture.
The Timeline Of Lively-Baldoni Legal Battle: Key Events
From CRD Complaint To Defamation Lawsuit Amended Complaint
To understand the context of Sklenar’s comments it is important to revisit the timeline of the escalating legal battle:
- December 20 2024: Blake Lively filed a California Civil Rights Department (CRD) complaint against Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer associates. Allegations included sexual harassment retaliation and creating a hostile work environment.
- December 21 2024: The New York Times reported on Lively’s CRD complaint and the alleged smear campaign against her.
- December 23 2024: Liz Plank cohost of Baldoni's podcast The Man Enough Podcast left the show.
- December 24 2024: Baldoni’s former publicist Stephanie Jones sued him publicist Abel crisis specialist Nathan and Wayfarer.
- December 31 2024: Baldoni Wayfarer and associates sued The New York Times for libel.
- December 31 2024: Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni Wayfarer and associates in New York.
- January 2 2025: Baldoni's lawyer stated intent to sue Lively.
- January 16 2025: Baldoni Wayfarer Nathan and Abel sued Lively Reynolds and others for defamation and extortion.
- January 21 2025: Baldoni's team released behind-the-scenes footage from It Ends With Us.
- January 22 2025: Lively and Reynolds sought a gag order on Baldoni's lawyer.
- January 27 2025: Baldoni's 2 AM voice memo to Lively was revealed.
- January 27 2025: Lively vs. Baldoni trial was set for March 2026.
This timeline shows a rapidly escalating and highly contentious legal battle. Sklenar's "Team It Ends With Us" comment arrives in the midst of this ongoing storm.
Is Neutrality Truly Possible Here?
Navigating Public Image Vs. Personal Convictions
Given the serious nature of sexual harassment allegations and the documented timeline is genuine neutrality possible or is it a carefully constructed public posture? Sklenar's initial Instagram story suggested a leaning towards believing Lively's account. His recent "Team It Ends With Us" statement could be interpreted as an attempt to walk back that perceived support or at least appear impartial.
Actors often need to navigate complex public relations landscapes especially when controversies erupt around projects they are involved in. Maintaining a working relationship with different industry figures might necessitate a public appearance of neutrality even if personal convictions lean a different way. "Team It Ends With Us" could be a pragmatic approach to avoid further entanglement in a messy legal fight. It could also be a sincere desire to bring focus back to the film's intended message. Regardless of intent the contrast between Sklenar’s past and present statements underscores the difficult position individuals face when caught in the crossfire of such public disputes. Whether truly neutral or not Brandon Sklenar's comment highlights the ongoing and multifaceted drama surrounding It Ends With Us.