Brandon Sklenar addresses speculation over matching brooch with Justin Baldoni at Vanity Fair Oscar party
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Brandon Sklenar has put to rest any speculation surrounding his recent fashion choice at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 2, Sunday.
The 34-year-old actor stepped out in a striking ensemble, completing his look with a pink floral brooch and fans were quick to notice that the pin appeared identical to the one his 'It Ends With Us' director and co-star, Justin Baldoni, had worn at the film’s New York City premiere on August 6, 2024.
Brandon Sklenar addresses his choice of wearing same floral brooch as Justin Baldoni
Social media was abuzz over the coincidence, with many people interpreting it as a statement of support. Brandon Sklenar addressed the matter directly while attending the SXSW Film & TV Festival premiere of his new thriller 'Drop' on March 9.
Speaking to People on the red carpet, the actor dismissed any deeper meaning behind the accessory.
“Honestly, no. I wish I could say there was,” Sklenar revealed.
“That was a total happenstance. I woke up in the morning and saw an article and I was like, 'Oh, damn.' I literally had no idea. I had an idea I wanted to wear like a floral brooch of some kind, and that was the color that I liked the best. And, lo and behold, someone also wore that prior to me wearing it,” he added.
Blake Lively’s SXSW appearance and legal battle with Justin Baldoni
Meanwhile, Brandon Sklenar’s 'It Ends With Us' co-star, Blake Lively, was also at SXSW to premiere her latest film, 'Another Simple Favor', on March 7.
Lively has been making headlines for her recent legal troubles.
In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him and others of harassment and orchestrating a retaliatory smear campaign.
Baldoni has denied the allegations and, in January 2025, he countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist, alleging defamation and extortion.
With the controversy intensifying, Sklenar was asked by The Hollywood Reporter at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party about how he plans to support Lively amid the ongoing legal battle.
Brandon Sklenar on supporting 'It Ends With Us' co-star Blake Lively
Acknowledging the challenging situation, Brandon Sklenar expressed hope that people would focus on the message of 'It Ends With Us' rather than the behind-the-scenes turmoil.
"It's a tough situation. I just hope everyone remembers what the movie is about and why we made it in the first place. It's about love," he said.
"It's about supporting women in general and helping people through tough times," the actor added.
Sklenar, who portrays Lively’s love interest in 'It Ends With Us', emphasized the film’s positive impact.
“The movie has helped so many people. I just want people to remember what it's about, why we made it, and to kinda keep it on that. That kind of, like, core ethos, you know what I mean?” explained the 'Jonesin' actor.
