“It Ends with Us” Star Brandon Sklenar Asks Fans to Be 'Better' as He Slams 'Vilifying the Women' Behind Film

"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," he wrote

Brandon Sklenar is sticking up for the women behind It Ends with Us.

In an impassioned Instagram post on Tuesday, Aug. 20, the actor opened by saying he wanted to "address all this stuff swirling online" — likely referring to the alleged drama between the primary cast and director/actor Justin Baldoni. The movie, based on author Colleen Hoover's hit 2016 novel, also stars Blake Lively, Isabela Ferrer and Jenny Slate. Sklenar tagged all four women in his post.

"Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves," wrote Sklenar, 34. "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."

It Ends with Us stars Lively, 36, as Lily Bloom, a florist who gets into an abusive relationship with a man named Ryle Kincaid, played by Baldoni, 40, who also directed.

Of the film, Sklenar wrote on Instagram, "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. It's been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online."

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Related: Sony Praises Blake Lively for 'Advancing the Conversation Around Domestic Violence' amid It Ends With Us Promo Backlash

Amid the film’s promotional tour, there have been rumors of a rift between Lively and Baldoni. Buzz of discord behind the scenes grew prior to the film's release as Baldoni did most of his press solo, and did not pose for pictures alongside the cast at the film's New York City premiere. Fans were also quick to spot that Hoover, 44, Lively, Slate, 42, and more involved in the film do not follow Baldoni back on Instagram.

Sklenar went on to say in his Tuesday post that "someone very close to me has been struggling with a relationship that has mirrored Lilly's [sic] closely," and as a result, "I feel a responsibility to bring this to life and help spread that message further."

"Prior to my involvement in this film, she had not heard of the book. It was only then that she read it. She credits Colleens book and subsequently this film with saving her life," he continued. "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."

Sklenar also called the film a "harsh reality check for the men who need to get their s--- together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions," adding that it is "meant to inspire" as well as "validate," "recognize" and "instill hope."

"It's meant to build courage and help people feel less alone," he added. "Ultimately it's meant to spread love and awareness. It is not meant to once again, make the women the 'bad guy,' let's move beyond that together."

Related: Blake Lively's It Ends With Us Impresses with Nearly $200 Million at Worldwide Box Office amid Cast Drama

"All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who its helping," Skelnar continued in his Tuesday post. "Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact. Or if you simply want to be a part of something. Let's be a part of something better together. A part of a new story being written for women and all people everywhere."

"Lead with Love and please be kind. Brandon," he concluded.

During an interview for PEOPLE in 10 earlier this month, Sklenar opened up about working with Baldoni, noting he did a “great” job balancing his duties as a lead actor in the movie as well as director and producer.

“The entire crew that he assembled was so incredible,” he said. “Everybody in this film is just on the top of their game across the board. It was a really pleasant environment to work in.”

A rep for Lively was not able to be reached by PEOPLE.

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