Justin Baldoni used his platform to speak directly to survivors of abuse.
Baldoni directed and starred in “It Ends With Us,” an adaptation of the Colleen Hoover novel of the same name. The film was released on August 9 and has since become a box office hit — in part due to rumors of a feud between Baldoni and his costar Blake Lively.
Much of the plot of “It Ends With Us” focuses on an abusive relationship between the protagonist, Lily Bloom, and a man named Ryle Kincaid. Lively played Lily in the film version of the story, while Baldoni was Ryle.
On Saturday, Baldoni shared a “#survivorloveletter” on his Instagram as part of a campaign run by the community organization Survivor Love Letter, which aims to “flood the internet with love for survivors,” according to its website.
Baldoni also collaborated on the social media post with the nonprofit organization No More, which was the charitable partner for “It Ends With Us.” No More’s page is currently linked in the bio of Baldoni’s Instagram.
“You embody resilience and courage, qualities that shine bright even on the darkest days,” Baldoni wrote in his letter. “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,” he continued. “You may not always see the impact you have, but your journey encourages and motivates, lighting the path for those of us still searching for the light.”
“While I can never fully understand your pain and all you have endured, I want you to know that you are never alone in this fight,” he went on to say. “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.”
“Sending you gratitude, strength, and love. 💜 @justinbaldoni,” he signed the letter.
Baldoni has frequently discussed abuse as he has promoted the film, writing social posts about it and bringing it up in his interviews on CBS and NBC.
Dozens of people praised Baldoni’s letter in the comments of his post, praising him for using his platform to advocate for survivors.
“I don’t think you understand how much your words mean to me and to so many, Justin,” one user wrote. “Thank you.”
Hoover has previously been criticized for making light of the abuse in her book, so the seriousness with which Baldoni is a marked change.
