Brandon Sklenar Clarifies Meaning Behind Matching Brooch with Justin Baldoni

Brandon Sklenar recently addressed the speculation surrounding his choice of a pink floral pin, which coincidentally matched the accessory worn by Justin Baldoni, director of the film It Ends With Us. This revelation gained traction during the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, sparking curiosity among fans and media alike.

Coincidence or Statement?

Playing alongside Blake Lively in the movie, Sklenar’s style choice became the center of attention, especially given the backdrop of an ongoing legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni linked to incidents on set and promotional events. Observers eagerly sought to uncover the meaning behind Sklenar’s coordinated accessory.

Sklenar Addresses the Rumors

In an interview with People at the 2025 SXSW premiere of his newest film, The Drop, Sklenar cleared the air, stating, “Honestly, no. I wish I could say there was. That was a total happenstance.” He elaborated that he randomly picked the floral brooch in the morning after seeing an article about Baldoni wearing a similar one at the It Ends With Us premiere. He emphasized, “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.”

Social Media and Public Reaction

A week prior, Sklenar shared his Vanity Fair party look on Instagram, cleverly captioning the post with “Long live the (brooch).” The creator of the accessory, the Anabela Chan Parrot Bloom Brooch, even acknowledged both actors wearing the same piece, highlighting the coincidence.

Focus on the Film’s Message

Amidst the ongoing legal battles—Lively accusing Baldoni and others of sexual harassment and Baldoni countering with claims of extortion and defamation—Sklenar expressed hope that the public would focus on the critical themes of It Ends With Us. He articulated his desire for audiences to remember the film’s core message that revolves around love and supporting women through adversity. “It’s a tough situation. I just hope everyone remembers what the movie is about and why we made it in the first place,” Sklenar commented.

Personal Connections to the Film

Reflecting on his heartfelt connection to the narrative, Sklenar shared, “I’m really proud of that movie and what it means and what it stands for. It was deeply personal to me. I’ve got someone very, very close to me who has been in that situation that Lily [Lively’s character] has been in for years, and I’ve been really on the frontlines helping her.” He reiterated the film’s significance and the emotional impact it has had on both him and the audience.

The Future of the Film Franchise

When asked about the potential for a sequel to It Ends With Us, Sklenar expressed enthusiasm, saying, “I would love to continue the story if it ever happens.” His previous defense of the film’s female creators amidst rumors of tension post-release reflects his commitment to the film’s message and its cast.

Addressing Negativity

Earlier this year, Sklenar defended the women associated with the project, stating, “Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves.” He lamented the negativity surrounding behind-the-scenes drama, urging people to focus on the film’s intentions rather than personal conflicts.

In an interesting turn of events, Lively was also in attendance at SXSW during the festival, promoting her new movie Another Simple Favor alongside Anna Kendrick.