The star of "It Ends With Us", Brandon Sklenar, has spoken out about the controversy surrounding the film, claiming that the women involved in the project have been unfairly "vilified".
The film, starring Sklenar alongside Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, has sparked debate amongst viewers due to its portrayal of domestic violence. Some critics have labelled the film's promotional tour a "car crash", with accusations that the themes of the film have been overshadowed by other agendas.
Taking to Instagram, Sklenar expressed his disappointment with the "negativity" circulating online. He stated that "vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film is about."
"It Ends With Us", adapted from Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, follows Lively's character, Lily Bloom, as she navigates a tumultuous relationship echoing the abusive experiences she witnessed in her childhood.
Released in the UK on 9 August, the film has already achieved significant box office success in the US, becoming one of the year's top performers. However, early reviews have been mixed, with publications such as The Telegraph claiming the film "repackages domestic violence as slick romance".
Hoover has previously stated that the book was inspired by her own mother's experiences with domestic abuse.
Sklenar further defended the film's integrity, stating that a friend of his who had endured a similar relationship credited the book and film with "saving her life". He asserted that everyone involved in the film "was aware of the responsibility we had in making this... a responsibility to all the women who have experienced generational trauma - domestic abuse - or struggle with looking in the mirror and loving who they see."
Lively, in an interview with the BBC at the film's premiere, echoed Sklenar's sentiments, emphasising the sensitivity with which the film was made. "Lily is a survivor and a victim, and while they are huge labels, these are not her identity," she remarked on the red carpet. "She defines herself and I think it's deeply empowering that no-one else can define you."
Sklenar's Instagram post also hinted at rumours of a rift between Lively and Baldoni, who plays the charming but abusive Ryle Kincaid. Speculation about a falling out arose when the pair were not pictured together at the film's premiere, although neither actor has publicly addressed the matter.
"What may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not and hopefully should not detract from what our intentions were in making this film," Sklenar wrote in his statement. "This film is meant to inspire. Itâs meant to validate and recognise. Itâs meant to instil hope. Itâs meant to build courage and help people feel less alone. Ultimately itâs meant to spread love and awareness. It is not meant to once again make women the 'bad guy', letâs move beyond that together."
While the relationship between Lively and Baldoni remains the subject of speculation, criticism has also been directed at the film's promotional campaign. Some critics have suggested that Lively has not spoken out enough about the film's core themes of domestic abuse, seemingly prioritising her other business ventures.
Since the film's release, Lively has shared posts promoting her new makeup brand and drinks company, as well as a chat with her co-stars where the topic of domestic violence was not discussed. This lack of emphasis was also notable in her interview with Vogue for its September issue.
Lively's recent Instagram story, which included a helpline number for domestic abuse victims, was interpreted by some as a response to this criticism, but others believe it did not go far enough.
Sklenar, too, has faced criticism for not drawing more attention to the issue of domestic violence, but in his latest post, he asserts that everyone involved in the film felt a responsibility to victims. "Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves," he stated.
He disabled comments on the post, urging fans to "lead with love and be kind" and avoid "spreading hate on the internet". "Letâs be a part of something better together," he wrote. "A part of a new story being written for women and all people everywhere."
BBC Newsbeat has contacted Blake Lively's representatives for comment.
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