“Depp’s PR person is really working for him”— Netizens divided as Justin Baldoni extends support to domestic violence survivors in a new letter

Justin Baldoni, who directed and starred in It Ends With Us, recently penned a letter to the survivors of domestic violence and the internet had a lot to say. The actor and director took to Instagram on Friday, August 30, to release a letter to DV survivors, partnered with the community organization Survivor Love Letter and the Nonprofit organization No More. In the letter titled "Dear Survivor", Baldoni wrote:

"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. Every step forward you take, no matter how small, is a declaration of your unyielding spirit and an inspiration to others."

The director noted that DV survivors may not always see the impact they have on people's lives but their journey have encouraged, motivated, and lighted the path for those "searching for the light". Justin Baldoni conceded that he could never fully understand the pain endured by the survivors but wanted them to know that they weren't alone in their fight. He added:

"We are with you. 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."

Social media users had mixed reactions to Justin Baldoni's letter. A few users thought that the letter was the work of his recently hired veteran PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan, who used to work for Johnny Depp. Users even thought that the letter came across as patronizing.

However, a section of other social media users did not share the same opinion and loved the support Baldoni was extending to survivors of domestic violence. Many thought that the letter was heartfelt and showed how much he cared. Here are a few X (formerly known as Twitter) reactions to Justin Baldoni's letter:

Netizens criticized Baldoni (Image via X/@PopBase)

Netizens criticized Baldoni (Image via X/@PopBase)

Netizens supported Baldoni (Image via X/@PopBase)

Netizens supported Baldoni (Image via X/@PopBase)

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Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively had a rumored rift while making 'It Ends With Us'

Justin Baldoni's letter came on the heels of a rumored rift between himself and his fellow It Ends With Us cast members including Blake Lively, who also served as the films executive producer. Rumors of the rift intensified on social media after people noted that Blake and Justin did not do any joint promotional press events leading up to the film's August 9 release nor took pictures together at its August 6 New York premiere.

It later came to light that none of the film's cast members, including Blake Lively, follow Baldoni on Instagram despite the actor following them, further adding fuel to the rumors of a rift. Justin Baldoni also follows Colleen Hoover on Instagram, whose book of the same name Baldoni's movie is based on. However, the author too does not follow him back.

At the same time, Blake Lively was getting backlash on social media for her promotion of the film in a light-hearted manner, despite it dealing with isuues like domestic violence. The Hollywood Reporter said in an August 13 article, citing inside sources, that Lively and Baldoni allegedly fell out during the movie's postproduction stage.

According to the outlet, the Gossip Girl star commissioned an edit of the movie from Shane Reid and the credits for the film's final edit went to Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan. It is not confirmed whether any part of Shane Reid's edit was used in the final movie.

Amidst all this, Justin Baldoni hired PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan of the New York-based outfit The Agency Group. Nathan previously represented Johnny Depp during the actor's infamous defamation trial with his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Meanwhile, in a Rolling Stone report published on August 28, three anonymous crew members who worked on the film told the publication that Baldoni and Lively's dislike for each other was not a secret. Crew members boiled down their friction to conflicting ideas and different approaches to the project. One crew member told the publication:

"I think some of the rumors online seem a little strong. I don’t think they hate each other. But I don’t think they would work together again. Their styles are way too different. Blake is very business-minded and very practical. Justin … is so on the other side of why he makes art that they were never going to be friends."

It Ends With Us released in theaters worldwide on August 9 and became an instant box office hit. According to Box Office Mojo, the movie with a budget of $25 million, grossed over $50 million on its opening day and has currently accumulated $285,818,800 worldwide.