Brandon Sklenar, a co-star in “It Ends With Us,” has strategically repositioned himself from Blake Lively’s vocal defender to neutral observer as a $400 million legal battle unfolds between Lively and director Justin Baldoni.
At a Glance
- Sklenar initially backed Blake Lively after she filed sexual harassment allegations against Justin Baldoni, sharing her complaint with the message “For the love of God read this”
- After Baldoni countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others for $400 million, Sklenar adopted a neutral stance, declaring he’s “Team ‘It Ends With Us'”
- Sklenar faced speculation about switching sides when he coincidentally wore the same brooch as Baldoni at an Oscars party
- The high-profile legal battle between the co-stars will go to trial in March 2026
From Vocal Support to Strategic Neutrality
Brandon Sklenar has carefully recalibrated his position in the increasingly contentious legal dispute between his “It Ends With Us” co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Initially positioning himself firmly in Lively’s corner, Sklenar shared her legal complaint on social media with the pointed caption “For the love of God read this.” This explicit endorsement came after Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a retaliatory smear campaign against her during the film’s production and promotion.
The stakes dramatically escalated when Baldoni responded with legal action of his own. He filed a massive countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, seeking $400 million in damages. Baldoni also separately sued The New York Times for $250 million. Facing this intensified legal battlefield, Sklenar has retreated to more neutral ground, emphasizing the film’s message rather than taking sides in the personal conflict.
Brooch Controversy Fuels Speculation
Sklenar inadvertently sparked speculation about his allegiances when he appeared at the Vanity Fair Oscars party wearing a floral brooch identical to one previously worn by Baldoni. This fashion coincidence triggered immediate rumors that Sklenar had switched sides in the dispute. He quickly addressed the situation in an interview with People magazine, dismissing any intentional connection between the matching accessories.
“That was total happenstance,” Sklenar told People in a March 9 interview. “I woke up in the morning and saw an article and was like, ‘Oh damn.’ I literally had no idea. I had an idea that I wanted to wear a floral brooch of some kind and that was the color I liked best. And, lo and behold, someone also wore that prior to me wearing it.”
When directly asked if there was any deeper meaning behind his choice of accessory, Sklenar was unequivocal: “Honestly no. I wish I could say there was.” The actor has since been careful to avoid appearing partial to either Lively or Baldoni, instead redirecting attention to the film’s core message and purpose, rather than the behind-the-scenes drama now overshadowing it.
Refocusing on the Film’s Mission
Sklenar has repeatedly emphasized that he wants audiences to remember the film’s purpose rather than becoming distracted by the legal battle. “It Ends With Us” addresses domestic violence, a theme Sklenar has noted has personal significance as someone close to him has experienced similar struggles. His current messaging focuses on the movie’s impact rather than the conflict among its creators.
This carefully crafted position allows Sklenar to maintain professional relationships with both parties while avoiding becoming entangled in their increasingly bitter legal battle. He has urged fans to “lead with love and compassion” and to focus on the film’s intention to support women and help people through difficult circumstances. The litigation between Lively and Baldoni is set for trial in March 2026, leaving nearly two years for the situation to potentially escalate further.
A Model of Professional Discretion
Sklenar’s evolution from outspoken supporter to neutral observer demonstrates the delicate position faced by industry professionals caught between warring colleagues. His current approach—emphasizing the work itself while declining to vilify either party—offers a template for others in Hollywood who find themselves in similar positions. As multiple lawsuits progress toward trial, including Lively’s original complaint, Baldoni’s countersuit, and a new defamation lawsuit against Lively from Jed Wallace and Street Relations Inc., the full story behind the “It Ends With Us” controversy continues to unfold.
“It’s a tough situation. I just hope everyone remembers what the movie is about and why we made it in the first place. It’s about love and it’s about supporting women in general and helping people through tough times.”, concludes Sklenars.
