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Rolling Stone
Justin Baldoni Writes Letter to Domestic Violence Survivors Amid ‘It Ends With Us’ Drama
By Tomás Mier,
2 hours ago
Justin Baldoni is sending love and support to survivors of domestic violence. The It Ends With Us director and actor shared a letter on Instagram over the weekend, writing that survivors are “liberating us all” with their fight.
“You embody resilience and courage, qualities that shine bright even on the darkest days. In the tapestry of your life, each thread tells a story of endurance, strength, and hope,” he wrote in the letter. “Every step forward you take, no matter how small, is a declaration of your unyielding spirit and an inspiration to others.”
“You may not always see the impact you have, but your journey encourages and motivates, lighting the path for those of us still searching for the light,” Baldoni added. “While I can never fully understand your pain and all you have endured, I want you to know that you are never alone in this fight. We are with you. You are not just surviving; you are thriving, and in your thriving, you inspire us all.”
Baldoni’s film, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, tells the story of a woman named Lily Bloom (Blake Lively) as she goes through a mentally and physically abusive relationship with Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni). Since the film’s premiere, It Ends With Us has been plagued with gossip and rumors about an alleged onset feud between Lively and Baldoni. Fans first noticed how little Baldoni and Lively interacted during the film’s press tour and pointed out that other It Ends With Us cast members and Hoover didn’t follow Baldoni on social media. Lively has also been criticized for the way she’s promoted the film, with allegations that she’s ignored the larger message.
Baldoni did not address any of the alleged drama in his letter, but it still marked the first time he’s spoken out since the rumors first began to surface.
The new post from Baldoni also comes several days after Rolling Stone reported that creative differences and a power struggle between Lively and Baldoni were apparent on set. “Everyone knew that they didn’t like each other,” said one of three crew members who spoke for the story, who believed the gossip around the conflict was overblown. “Blake is very business-minded and very practical. Justin … is so on the other side of why he makes art that they were never going to be friends.”
It Ends With Us cast members have stayed quiet on the behind-the-scenes drama. One source told People that “the principal cast and Colleen Hoover will have nothing to do with [Baldoni].”
On Aug. 20, Brandon Sklenar, the actor who plays Lily’s other love interest, became the first cast member to speak out on the controversy. In an Instagram post , Sklenar defended Lively, Hoover, and the other women in the film from any public backlash they’re receiving, saying, “The women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves.”
Sony Pictures Entertainment Chair and CEO Tony Vinciquerra came out in support of Lively, too, telling The Hollywood Reporter , “Blake, Colleen, and so many women put so much effort into this remarkable movie, working selflessly from the start to ensure that such an important subject matter was handled with care.”
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