This story mentions domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522. The also offers additional resources.
“It Ends With Us” director and actor has penned a poignant letter to show support for domestic violence survivors.
The 40-year-old, who currently stars in the film about domestic abuse, posted a message on Aug. 31 in collaboration with — an organization that shares letters addressed to survivors of abuse.
“Dear Survivor, You embody resilience and courage, qualities that shine bright even on the darkest days. In the tapestry of your life, each thread tells a story of endurance, strength, and hope,” Baldoni began. “Every step forward you take, no matter how small, is a declaration of your unyielding spirit and an inspiration to others.”
Baldoni told survivors that they are encouraging and motivating others who are “still searching for the light.”
He then acknowledged that he cannot completely comprehend a survivor’s pain. But, he said he wants survivors to know that they always have support from him and others.
“We are with you,” Baldoni wrote. “You are not just surviving; you are thriving, and in your thriving, you inspire us all. May your journey forward be filled with moments of profound peace. And may you remember that as you fight for joy…you are liberating us all.”
He signed his letter with, “Sending you gratitude, strength, and love,” and included a purple heart, the color that represents in October.
Baldoni has shared multiple statements about domestic abuse and survivors as he promotes his new movie, “It Ends With Us,” an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name. The film tells the story of an abusive relationship involving Baldoni’s character, Ryle Kincaid, and Lily Bloom, played by Blake Lively.
Following the film’s release last month, for how it was marketed given the subject matter.
TODAY.com spoke to multiple domestic violence survivors who shared their thoughts on the movie’s promotional material and lack of trigger warning.
“I was definitely shocked that at the very minimum (there wasn’t) some sort of (trigger) warning,” Athena Raymond, a domestic violence survivor, told TODAY.com. “The way the movie is marketed is so not (showing it) in an abusive, violent light.”
She added, “If I had not read the book and I walked into that theater, I would have probably had to leave nauseous. It shocked me beyond belief because it’s a rough watch.”
Read what more survivors said about “It Ends With Us” .
Distributor Sony Pictures Entertainment declined to comment to TODAY.com about the marketing criticisms and lack of content warnings. Instead, the distributor directed TODAY.com to , the domestic violence prevention organization that was consulted during the production.
No More created a list of online resources for survivors, which also appeared in the credits. A spokesperson for the organization declined to comment to TODAY.com about the absence of a content warning and said it was not involved in the marketing for “It Ends With Us.”
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