Abigail Breslin backs Blake Lively against Justin Baldoni as she recounts her own ordeal in scathing post

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actress Abigail Breslin showed her support for Blake Lively in a lengthy social media post following her legal complaint against her 'It Ends With Us' co-star Justin Baldoni.

In her social media post, the 28-year-old actress addressed more general concerns about toxic masculinity, gender inequality, and how women are viewed as "scapegoats" while men's actions are tolerated.

Breslin addressed the incident after Lively accused her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign, per Just Jared.

Abigail Breslin compares Blake Lively’s situation to her own troubling past experience

Abigail Breslin wrote a long and heartfelt essay on Saturday, December 28, discussing Blake Lively's legal battle and accusations of working with Justin Baldoni.

The 'Little Miss Sunshine' actress expressed her belief in a statement, posted to her 523,000 Instagram followers and Tumblr, that women have been used as "scapegoats" in similar circumstances more often than men.

Breslin's response came more than a year after it was found out that the actress had issues with her 'Classified' costar Aaron Eckhart.

The Oscar-nominated actress accused Eckhart of acting "aggressive, demeaning, and unprofessional" toward her and "refused to be alone" with the actor, per Daily Mail.

In her essay, Breslin bemoaned how men frequently avoid responsibility while women are criticized for speaking out against improper behavior. She wrote: "When did the word woman become synonymous with scapegoat?"

Breslin added, "In light of recent events regarding the attempt to destroy the career and livelihood of a fellow actress and woman, I have felt compelled to write this, as I have unfortunately been subject to the same toxic masculinity throughout my life."

Breslin revealed how, upon reporting Eckhart's alleged lack of professionalism, her own worries were mocked and disregarded. She was even sued by the production companies of 'Classified,' who described her claims as "wild, hysterical, and imaginary."

"In my recent career, I've brought forward concerns about a male colleague and was deemed 'hysterical.' I was told my fears were figments of my imagination. Now, as I'm seeing this pattern pop up more, I realize this is the norm," she wrote.

Abigail Breslin reflects on the #MeToo Movement in 2017

Abigail Breslin, who costarred with Lively's husband Ryan Reynolds in the 2008 film 'Definitely, Maybe', also talked about the #MeToo movement's ascent in 2017, expressing her initial optimism and eventual disappointment.

Breslin compared the movement's impact to a brief firework, describing it as bright and shocking but ultimately short-lived, even though it appeared to start important conversations about abuse and harassment.

"There seemed to be an uprising, a new wave of recognition for those who had been abused, degraded, slandered, silenced and it was loud," she wrote.

She continued, "But it was the kind of noise I can only liken to a firework. It can wake you up out of a sound sleep, it burns so bright and shocks the s*** out of you but then, it burns out - just like that."

She pointed out that as time went on, public backing for women who voiced their opinions decreased, leaving them to deal with criticism and social exclusion.

Breslin claimed that the social movement was a weak "consolation prize," citing "centuries of women being underpaid, undervalued, under-appreciated, raped, harassed, terrified and used for the benefits of d***-wielding heroes."

Abigail Breslin reveals emotional toll of being 'shamed and defamed'

Breslin addressed candidly about the psychological effects of being shamed and discredited for criticizing Eckhart. She characterized the fallout from being named in a lawsuit as extremely distressing.

Breslin wrote, delving into her personal history, "When a suit was filed against me by a former employer, (the suit was withdrawn), after making a confidential complaint against a coworker for unprofessional behavior, I had the silly and naive impression they would believe me."

"I am not known as a liar in my field of work, no matter how vocal I may be. Hence, why I’ve been working for 25 years. Instead of being believed and protected, a suit was filed against me for having the audacity to speak up," she added.

Her reputation, which she had spent over twenty years cultivating, was damaged by the incident. Past claims of abuse were used against her, and she was portrayed as "crazy" and "paranoid."

Breslin claimed that her reputation suffered as a result of being "publicly shamed and defamed in the process."

She added, "I was made to seem like someone who just goes after men ... this was after I had taken all of the recommended, reasonable and appropriate measures of reporting confidentially to my union."

Abigail Breslin conveys ray of hope for significant change

Abigail Breslin's essay emphasized the structural issues that women in Hollywood and elsewhere face, showing how deeply rooted prejudices still influence public perceptions. She attacked the contemptuous mindset that considers gender inequality to be a thing of the past.

Despite her frustration, Breslin offered a glimmer of hope for real change, urging society to hold offenders accountable and move past performative allyship. Her essay is a reminder of the strength of women who, despite obstacles, never give up on their voices.

Breslin added, "This MUST change," in terms of gender-based perceptions, before adding, "To men, I first wonder… if you complained about a coworker and you were called a liar… how would you feel?"

Breslin concluded by posing the question, "How can a man do anything but lie when he is consistently told his deceptions are gospel? Are we forever to hold the burden of being "perfect" to be victims and to be believed?"

"To change the narrative, we do not need more women to scream. We just need a lot more men to shut up and listen," she added.

Breslin's comments regarding the controversy lined up with Lively's publicist, Leslie Sloane, refuting the dissemination of rumors meant to harm Baldoni's reputation amid the release of 'It Ends with Us.'