Brandon Sklenar Breaks Silence on Death Threats Following “It Ends With Us” Controversy

Jason Sargent Friday, December 19, 2025

- - Brandon Sklenar Breaks Silence on Death Threats Following “It Ends With Us” Controversy

Miu von FurstenbergDecember 19, 2025 at 10:49 PM

In a revealing new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actor Brandon Sklenar opened up about the disturbing personal toll of the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the 2024 film It Ends With Us. The 35-year-old actor, who portrayed Atlas Corrigan in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, disclosed that he received numerous death threats following his attempts to defend his female colleagues during a highly publicized rift between co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

LOS ANGELES – DEC 15: Brandon Sklenar at The Housemaid Premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater IMAX on December 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo Credit: depositphotos.com

The controversy initially ignited during the film’s press tour in August 2024, when fans observed a visible disconnect between director and star Justin Baldoni and the rest of the cast, including producer and lead actress Blake Lively. As rumors of a fractured working environment intensified, Brandon Skelnar released a statement on Instagram urging fans to move past the negativity.

Reflecting on that moment, Sklenar admitted that the public reaction was far more volatile than he anticipated. “I wasn’t damning anybody, but I was just like, ‘Can we focus on the ethos of this whole fucking movie and not be so hateful to anybody?’” Sklenar recalled. Despite what he viewed as a positive message, the backlash was instantaneous.

Brandon Sklenar arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Paramount+ Series’ ‘1923’ Season 2 held at the Harmony Gold Theater on February 19, 2025 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/depositphotos.com

He described a harrowing experience with online harassment, noting that he received messages such as “I hope you die,” “You’re a piece of s–t,” and “I hope your career ends.” Although his agent advised him to stay offline to avoid the vitriol, Sklenar found it challenging to ignore the situation. He compared the sensation to standing outside a room filled with thousands of people talking about you, asking rhetorically, “You tell me you’re not going to put your ear to the door?”

Transitioning to the broader context of the It Ends With Us drama, the situation escalated significantly in late 2024 and early 2025 into a complex legal battle. Lively filed complaints alleging a hostile work environment, while Baldoni countered with a defamation lawsuit. Throughout the ordeal, Sklenar has maintained that the focus should remain on the film’s message regarding domestic violence and female empowerment. He previously stated, “Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film… seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film is about.”

LAS VEGAS – NOV 22: Brandon Sklenar at the AMFAR Las Vegas at Wynn Las Vegas on November 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, CA. Photo Credit: depositphotos.com

Even as the legal proceedings continue between his co-stars, Sklenar remains focused on the “core ethos” of the project. He recently reiterated his hope that audiences remember the original intent of the story: “It’s about love. It’s about supporting women in general and helping people through tough times.”

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