AceShowbiz - As the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's "It Ends With Us" hits theaters, it is not just the story that has captured public attention but also the discussions around its promotion. Blake Lively, who stars as Lily Bloom, and her co-star and director Justin Baldoni have been at the center of a media storm, with conversations shifting from on-set dynamics to the movie's portrayal of domestic violence.

Jana Kramer, a survivor of domestic violence and former "One Tree Hill" star, has been vocal about her concerns regarding the messaging in the film's promotion. Speaking on her "Whine Down" podcast, Kramer stressed the importance of focusing on domestic violence awareness rather than the rumored feud between Lively and Baldoni.

"I would love the messaging to go to DV with media, instead of talking about riffs and everything else. The movie is about domestic violence," she stated.

Kramer, who has not watched the movie due to the sensitive nature of its content, expressed disappointment in the initial promotion that led her to believe it was a romantic comedy. "Then I started hearing stuff about the interviews, and for me, I was just, like, it made me sad because I just want the messaging to be about domestic violence and how to help people and how to get help," she said.

The controversy extended to Blake Lively's comments during a BBC News interview where she stated that her character, Lily Bloom, is "not defined" by her domestic violence experiences, describing this portrayal as "deeply empowering."

Kramer felt this perspective does not resonate with those who have experienced abuse, sharing, "So, for people to say it doesn't define you, it does define you. … It has made me who I am. And though people can say, 'It doesn't define you,' it is one of the biggest pieces of me, is domestic violence, and has been the biggest thread in my life."

Fans and critics alike have also taken issue with Lively's approach during the press tour, which included promoting her personal ventures over the film's sensitive themes. This has drawn backlash, with some fans feeling that the serious issue of domestic violence was overshadowed.

Lively, however, responded by sharing domestic violence resources via her social media, emphasizing the prevalence of intimate partner violence and supporting the National Domestic Violence Hotline. "1 in 4 women aged 18 and older in the US alone have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime," read one of her Instagram posts.

As the film continues to generate discussion, it serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible messaging, especially when dealing with serious topics such as domestic violence. For those who wish to seek help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-799-7233.