Current:Home > StocksIt Ends With Us’ Justin Baldoni Shares Moving Message to Domestic Abuse Survivors-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
It Ends With Us’ Justin Baldoni Shares Moving Message to Domestic Abuse Survivors
View Date:2024-12-23 15:10:41
Justin Baldoni wants survivors to know they’re not alone.
The director and star of It Ends With Us—which follows protagonist Lily Bloom (played by Blake Lively) as she navigates an abusive relationship—penned a moving tribute to survivors of domestic violence, for whom he says the film was made, amid ongoing rumors of a feud between himself and Blake.
“Dear Survivor,” Justin began his Aug. 31 post. “You embody resilience and courage, qualities that shine bright even on the darkest days. In the tapestry of your life, each thread tells a story of endurance, strength, and hope. Every step forward you take, no matter how small, is a declaration of your unyielding spirit and an inspiration to others.”
And while noting it might be hard for survivors to recognize their own impact, he added that the journeys survivors undergo “encourages and motivates, lighting the path for those of us still searching for the light.”
The Jane the Virgin alum—who plays abuser Ryle in the film—also recognized that each survivor’s experience is unique.
“While I can never fully understand your pain and all you have endured,” Justin admitted, “I want you to know that you are never alone in this fight. We are with you. You are not just surviving; you are thriving, and in your thriving, you inspire us all.”
And moving forward, the 40-year-old has a special wish for survivors.
“May your journey forward be filled with moments of profound peace,” he concluded. “And may you remember that as you fight for joy…you are liberating us all. Sending you gratitude, strength, and love.”
Justin’s message comes amid ongoing rumors of a feud between him and Blake after fans noticed that not only was Justin conspicuously absent from press and photos with the rest of the cast, but also that his and Blake’s messaging around the film’s difficult subject matter differed.
In fact, Justin has continued to push the subject of domestic violence to the forefront of the conversation surrounding his film—and he’s open to how every viewer feels the subject was dealt with in the film.
On some audiences feeling the film romanticizes domestic violence, he told the Associated Press in August, "I think that they are absolutely entitled to that opinion, and it makes perfect sense as to why they would feel that way."
As he noted, in today’s culture "many things are glorified and we are fighting for attention” amid saturated news cycles.
"If anybody has had that real life experience," he continued, "I can imagine how hard it would be to imagine their experience being in a romance novel. To them I would just offer that that we were very intentional in the making of this movie."
Meanwhile Blake, who also acted as a producer on the film, has expressed the film is about much more than this one experience of her character.
"This movie covers domestic violence," she told BBC News at the Aug. 8 London premiere, "but what's important about this film is that she is not just a survivor and she's not just a victim, and while those are huge thing to be, they're not her identity."
For Blake, Lily's story is more about defining herself, adding, "I think that that's deep empowering to remind people that no one else can define you. No experience can define you. You define you."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (268)
Related
- Engines on 1.4 million Honda vehicles might fail, so US regulators open an investigation
- 'Maestro' review: A sensational Bradley Cooper wields a mean baton as Leonard Bernstein
- UN votes unanimously to start the withdrawal of peacekeepers from Congo by year’s end
- Jennifer Love Hewitt hits back at claims she's 'unrecognizable': 'Aging in Hollywood is really hard'
- Jamie Lee Curtis and Don Lemon quit X, formerly Twitter: 'Time for me to leave'
- Jackson’s water rates to increase early next year
- Jackson’s water rates to increase early next year
- Sydney Sweeney Reflects on Tearful Aftermath of Euphoria Costar Angus Cloud's Death
- Unexpected pairing: New documentary tells a heartwarming story between Vietnam enemies
- A known carcinogen is showing up in wildfire ash, and researchers are worried
Ranking
- NY forest ranger dies fighting fires as air quality warnings are issued in New York and New Jersey
- Ex-Proud Boys leader is sentenced to over 3 years in prison for Capitol riot plot
- More than 2,000 mine workers extend underground protest into second day in South Africa
- 'Maestro' review: A sensational Bradley Cooper wields a mean baton as Leonard Bernstein
- Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym After 3 Days
- Descendants fight to maintain historic Black communities. Keeping their legacy alive is complicated
- Tesla’s recall of 2 million vehicles to fix its Autopilot system uses technology that may not work
- AP PHOTOS: Rivers and fountains of red-gold volcanic lava light up the dark skies in Icelandic town
Recommendation
-
Tesla Cybertruck modifications upgrade EV to a sci-fi police vehicle
-
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor honored as an American pioneer at funeral
-
Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex couples but marriage is between a man and a woman
-
Why Sydney Sweeney Wanted a Boob Job in High School
-
Barbora Krejcikova calls out 'unprofessional' remarks about her appearance
-
Some of the biggest stars in MLB can't compete with the fame of their furry friends
-
5-year-old twin boy and girl found dead in New York City apartment, investigation underway
-
Publix Spinach and Fresh Express Spinach recalled due to listeria fears