Brandon Sklenar has denied any hidden message behind his choice to wear a floral brooch similar to the one worn by Justin Baldoni at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. The actor dismissed speculation, insisting that his decision was purely coincidental and unrelated to any ongoing controversies surrounding his It Ends With Us co-star and director.
Speaking at the SXSW Film & TV Festival, Sklenar clarified that he simply liked the brooch and had no idea Baldoni would wear a similar one. He said there was no deeper meaning behind it, despite fans speculating otherwise after noticing the resemblance.
Fashion Choice Sparks Online Buzz
Social media erupted with theories linking the matching accessories to recent legal troubles involving Baldoni. The director has been under scrutiny since actress Blake Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him in December. The timing of Sklenar’s fashion choice led to speculation about whether it was a subtle show of support.
Sklenar, however, dismissed the rumors. He explained that he had not coordinated with Baldoni in any way and only realized the coincidence after seeing online discussions. He added that he woke up the next day to an article highlighting the brooch comparison, which surprised him.
Sklenar Stands by Film’s Core Message
While Sklenar has previously shown public support for Lively by sharing a New York Times article about her case, he has largely avoided directly commenting on the legal battle. When asked at the Vanity Fair party about standing by Lively, he sidestepped the controversy and instead emphasized the film’s overarching themes.
He stated that It Ends With Us is ultimately about love and resilience. He encouraged audiences to focus on the movie’s original message rather than the ongoing media storm.
“I just want people to remember what the film is about, why we made it, and keep their attention on that,” he said.
No Symbolic Meaning Behind the Brooch
Despite the public curiosity, Sklenar maintains that the brooch held no hidden significance. He reiterated that his decision to wear it had nothing to do with Baldoni or any external circumstances.
“I wish I could say there was a deeper reason, but there wasn’t,” he said.
The It Ends With Us adaptation, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has already faced significant media attention. Beyond its highly anticipated release, the film has been overshadowed by Baldoni’s legal troubles, fueling ongoing public debate.
As discussions about the brooch continue online, Sklenar remains focused on his work, urging fans to appreciate the film for its message rather than the controversies surrounding its creators.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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