Brandon Sklenar is defending the women behind It Ends With Us amid the movie’s recent controversy swirling online.

The actor, who played Atlas Corrigan in the film based on Colleen Hoover‘s 2016 best-selling book, took to his Instagram on Tuesday to “address all this stuff swirling online,” which ignited when fans speculated a potential rift between director-star Justin Baldoni and star-producer Blake Lively.

“Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance and for women choosing a better life for themselves,” Sklenar wrote in a lengthy statement. “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.”

He added, “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.”

Lively and Baldoni have been the subjects of negative headlines since the film’s release on Aug. 9 after fans initially started speculating about a potential behind-the-scenes rift between the filmmakers. Sources later told The Hollywood Reporter that a fracture happened in the post-production process, wherein two different cuts of the movie emerged, one from Lively and another from Baldoni. However, it’s unclear which cut is playing in theaters.

Lively nor Baldoni have directly addressed the controversy publicly, but THR previously learned that Baldoni hired veteran PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan amid the alleged drama.

In his Instagram post, Sklenar went on to say that “someone very close to me has been struggling with a relationship that has mirrored Lily’s closely. I feel a responsibility to bring this to life and help spread that message further.”

It Ends With Us, which includes the sensitive subject of domestic violence, follows Lily (Lively) who learns to rely on her own strength to overcome generational trauma in her life.

“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,” the 1923 actor wrote. “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.”

“The movie is a harsh reality check for the men who need to get their shit together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions,” Sklenar said, noting that the project is “meant to inspire” as well as “validate,” “recognize,” “instill hope,” “build courage” and “help people feel less alone.”

“Ultimately it’s meant to spread love and awareness,” he added. “It is not meant to once again, make the women the ‘bad guy,’ let’s move beyond that together.”

“All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it’s helping. Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact. Or if you simply want to be a part of something,” Sklenar concluded his post. “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.”

Earlier this month, Sklenar shared that he had a positive experience filming the movie and praised Baldoni for juggling his many roles — actor, director and producer — on the project.

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