Brandon Sklenar Navigates Legal Drama Between Co-Stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively in “It Ends With Us”

Brandon Sklenar Distances Himself from Co-Stars Amid Legal Drama

In a surprising turn of events, Brandon Sklenar, the rising star of the film It Ends With Us, has distanced himself from his co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni amid their escalating legal battle. The actor, who plays Atlas Corrigan—Lily Bloom’s childhood friend and first love—has opted for a diplomatic approach, urging compassion in the face of turmoil.

When approached by paparazzi at an airport, Sklenar was asked if he had any words of encouragement for either Lively or Baldoni. His response was succinct yet poignant: “Lead with love and compassion.” This statement reflects a desire to remain neutral as the situation unfolds.

The legal drama began in December 2024 when Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment on the set of their film and accusing him of orchestrating a smear campaign against her—claims Baldoni has vehemently denied. The situation escalated in January when Baldoni retaliated with a staggering $400 million defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist, Leslie Sloane. He also included the New York Times in his legal actions, which has vowed to defend itself vigorously.

Initially, Sklenar appeared to align himself with Lively, sharing a New York Times article about her lawsuit on his Instagram Story with the caption, “For the love of God read this.” However, his stance seemed to shift during a recent interview with CBS Mornings. When asked if he was “Team Justin or Team Blake,” he laughed nervously and replied, “I’m Team It Ends With Us,” indicating a desire to focus on the film rather than the personal conflicts.

At the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Sklenar addressed the situation further, calling it “tough” and emphasizing the film’s core message. “I just hope everyone remembers what the movie is about and why we made it in the first place,” he told the Hollywood Reporter. “It’s about love, and it’s about supporting women in general and helping people through tough times.”

As the legal battle looms, with a trial date set for March 9, 2026, Sklenar’s measured approach may serve as a reminder of the film’s underlying themes of resilience and compassion. The public will undoubtedly be watching closely as this high-profile case unfolds, but for now, Sklenar seems committed to maintaining a respectful distance from the drama surrounding his co-stars.