Blake Lively's co-Star speaks again on It Ends With Us controversy

Virgin Radio

7 Sep 2024, 13:00

Amidst criticism of the film's portrayal of domestic abuse, the actor urges fans to focus on the film's empowering message.

The It Ends With Us film adaptation has captured the public's attention for more than just its box office success, with the Colleen Hoover-inspired drama raking in over £30 million during its opening weekend.

While the movie itself has become a major talking point, it’s the off-screen drama that continues to make headlines.

------------------------------------

DON'T MISS:

Married at First Sight UK finally gets a 2024 start date - all the details

Celebrity Race Across the World fans ‘thrilled’ with episode 4 checkpoint results

Call the Midwife series 14 gets major new update as filming continues

------------------------------------

One of the primary criticisms surrounding It Ends With Us is the alleged lack of focus on the film’s most crucial theme—domestic abuse.

With Blake Lively in the lead role, some critics have expressed frustration, claiming that the film and its promotion have failed to generate meaningful conversations around this sensitive issue.

Lively, who not only stars but also serves as a producer, has found herself in the eye of this storm, facing backlash for what some have deemed a 'tone-deaf' approach to the movie’s marketing.

Adding fuel to the fire, Lively launched her own haircare brand during the film’s press tour, a move that many found jarring given the serious nature of It Ends With Us.

The internet has since resurfaced past interviews from Lively, scrutinising her words and actions during the film’s promotional campaign.

Critics have accused the actress of not giving enough attention to the weighty subject of domestic violence, sparking a wave of online backlash.

Amid the controversy, one of Lively’s It Ends With Us co-stars has come forward for the second time to defend the film and its cast.

In an interview with Access Hollywood, the actor addressed the backlash, calling it 'counterintuitive' and expressing concern over the negativity surrounding the film’s release.

“It just seems silly to me,” he remarked. “It’s kinda defeating the whole purpose of the thing to spread any negativity. It’s an important film for so many women and for so many survivors of domestic abuse.”

The actor highlighted the film’s core message, adding: “That’s what it’s all about, is making people feel heard and strong and loved. So to project anything but that seems counterintuitive.”

This isn’t the first time Lively’s co-star has weighed in on the drama. Last month, he took to Instagram to share a lengthy post defending both the movie and its cast.

In his statement, which quickly went viral, he passionately supported the work of It Ends With Us’s women: “Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves.”

He added: “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 is, in fact, the opposite of the point.”

In his closing remarks, the actor urged critics to think carefully before joining the online pile-on: “All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it's helping. Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact. Or if you simply want to be a part of something."

With the It Ends With Us controversy still swirling, the conversation around the film’s portrayal of domestic violence remains as complex as ever.

But for the cast, the film’s message of hope and empowerment seems to be one they’re standing firmly behind.