Justin Baldoni's powerful speech leaves 'It Ends With Us' fans urging Blake Lively to 'follow his lead'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Justin Baldoni recently garnered a wave of social media support after addressing domestic violence while surprising fans at a screening of 'It Ends With Us.'

Baldoni's move comes just days after his co-star Blake Lively faced criticism for promoting the movie but not addressing the movie's concept.

Justin Baldoni's speech on 'intimate partner violence' moves audience

As anticipation for the film grew, rumors of a feud between Baldoni, 40, and Lively, 36, have taken center stage in the media, leading to intense online scrutiny for both stars.

However, Baldoni, who not only stars in the film but also directed and produced it, has been praised for his impactful speech highlighting the serious theme of the movie.

Over the weekend, moviegoers at The Grove in Los Angeles got an unexpected treat. He dropped by to remind everyone just how deeply the story might resonate.

Before the film started, Baldoni walked into the theater and shared a powerful message about the real and pressing issue of intimate partner violence.

He also encouraged everyone, even those who might not personally relate to the characters' experiences, to take a moment to reflect on the film's powerful themes.

"Thank you for choosing to leave your houses and come and sit and have this experience," the actor said, adding, "This film is about love, it's about hope, it's about romance. But it's also about something very serious - intimate partner violence."

"So I just want to say it is prevalent, it is everywhere. There's a good chance that a few people in this room have been touched by it. If you see somebody at the end of this film sitting alone and shaking or emotional, maybe consider going up to them and asking them if you can support them in some way."

"I ask anybody who watches this film to maybe be reflective at the end and [ask yourself], 'What's the cycle that you can break in your life?'" he shared with the audience.

Justin Baldoni draws accolades while Blake Lively comes under fire

According to Daily Mail, a TikTok user named Shelsy captured Justin Baldoni's heartfelt speech and shared it online, where it quickly went viral, amassing over 961,000 views in just a few hours.

"@dietcokel0v3rAT THE GROVEE!! Thank you @Justin Baldoni for this amazing movie and for its message on DVA!!💜 I literally lovedddd this film😭 ty for comingg!! #itendswithus #justinbaldoni #itendswithusbook #itendswithusmovie #blakelively #dva #movie #colleenhoover."

On the other hand, tables have turned as Blake Lively recently found herself in hot water over a response that didn't quite land as expected.

During an interview, a reporter asked the 'Gossip Girl' star how she would handle conversations with people who deeply related to her character’s struggles. Instead of offering support or pointing to professional resources, Lively's sarcastic reply sparked outrage.

When the interviewer mentioned, "For people who see this movie and relate to the topics of this movie on a deeply personal level, they're really going to want to talk to you," her unexpected reaction left many feeling disappointed.

She responded sarcastically, saying, "Ask for my address or my phone number."

Then she added, with a chuckle, "Or I could just share my location with you and then we could..." before trailing off and laughing.

The social media choosing sides comes after rumors of tension between Lively and Baldoni emerged when they didn't promote their film together or interact at the premiere.

Reports suggest they clashed over Baldoni's 'dismissive' attitude towards Lively's input during scenes involving abuse, and many other instances. 

In the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel Lively takes on the role of Lily Bloom, a woman caught in a toxic relationship with Ryle Kincaid, played by Baldoni. 

Internet reacts to Justin Baldoni's speech

Social media was buzzing with comments, most of them taking Justin Baldoni's side after his powerful speech.

A viewer expressed, "Every interview he has done he has spoken wonderfully about the movie and the cast. He is very professional and has made sure the movie is the focus of his promos and not himself. Blake made a big mistake with how she has handled the PR of this movie."

Similarly, another observer added, "It seems Blake mistakenly promoted the movie by taking cues from her husband and his movie pressers - (attempted) wit and dry humor. It's not that kind of movie, Blake."

Furthermore, a viewer pointed out, "Blake should follow this lead."

Joining the discussion, a follower shared, "I’m familiar with his work in the show Jane the Virgin. He seems like an exquisite and talented actor. I’m on his side."

A remark underscored, "He’s a true professional and an incredible human being."

Similarly, another comment read, "That fellow is a class act! That’s the proper way to promote a film about DV. Good for him."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.