It Ends With Us actor Brandon Sklenar expressed his disappointment over the ongoing controversy surrounding the film, stating that the women involved have been “vilified”.

Following its release, the movie, which also features Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, courted controversy due to its portrayal of domestic violence. Moreover, Lively found herself at the receiving end of trolling for her rumoured rift with Baldoni on the sets.

In an Instagram post, Brandon gave vent to his feelings, saying it has been “disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online,” adding 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.”

Brandon also mentioned in his post that a friend, who had endured a similar situation as the protagonist Lily Bloom, credited the film based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel with “saving her life.”

“Trust me when I tell you, there isn’t a single person involved in the making of this film that was not 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,” he further said.

Brandon’s post also alluded to rumours of a rift between Lively and Baldoni. Speculation arose after the two stars were not seen together on the red carpet.

“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. This film is meant to inspire. It’s meant to validate and recognise. It’s meant to instil hope. It’s meant to build courage and help people feel less alone,” Sklenar wrote.

“Ultimately it’s meant to spread love and awareness. It is not meant to once again make women the ‘bad guy’; let’s move beyond that together,” he signed off.