In a significant public statement, former Nickelodeon star Alexa Nikolas, known for her role in Zoey 101, has condemned Blake Lively and the producers of the upcoming film *It Ends With Us*. Alexa, now 32, expressed her profound disappointment on Instagram, accusing the filmmakers of including a song by her ex-husband Michael Milosh, who she has accused of abuse, in the film’s soundtrack. This criticism comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the film, which is based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel of the same name.
The Allegations Against Michael Milosh: A Disturbing History
Alexa Nikolas’ allegations against Michael Milosh, also known by his stage name Rhye, are deeply troubling. In 2021, she filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting and grooming her over several years, beginning when she was just a teenager. According to Alexa, she first connected with Milosh on MySpace in 2009 when she was only 16 years old, while he was 33. Their online conversations quickly took on a sexual nature, which, as Alexa later alleged in court documents, marked the beginning of years of manipulation and abuse.
In the lawsuit, Alexa described a series of harrowing experiences, including an incident during their first in-person meeting when she was 18. She claimed that Milosh assaulted her, ignoring her pleas to stop. The lawsuit further alleged that he coerced her into allowing him to record their sexual encounters and pressured her into marrying him in 2012, allegedly to obtain a green card. Despite the gravity of these accusations, Alexa voluntarily dropped the lawsuit in 2022. Milosh, for his part, has consistently denied all allegations, calling them “outrageously false” and claiming that they were part of a vindictive effort by Alexa after he ceased financially supporting her.
The Role of Michael Milosh’s Music in “It Ends With Us”
The inclusion of Milosh’s music in *It Ends With Us* has become a focal point of the controversy. The film, which deals with the sensitive issue of domestic violence, features the song “Hymn” by Rhye on its soundtrack. For Alexa, the use of her alleged abuser’s music in a film that is supposed to address the very issues she has lived through is a profound betrayal. In her Instagram post, she not only criticized Blake Lively, who stars in the film, but also slammed the entire production team for their insensitivity.
“Not only has your rollout of this film been a complete disaster and shame,” Alexa wrote, “but you also put my known abuser/groomer’s music in your film.” She went on to emphasize that there is physical evidence of Milosh grooming her when she was a minor, evidence that is widely accessible online. This, she argued, makes the decision to include his music even more egregious.
Blake Lively’s Response and Public Backlash
Blake Lively, who portrays the lead character Lily Bloom in *It Ends With Us*, has not yet publicly responded to Alexa’s accusations. However, Lively has been at the center of several controversies related to the film. The movie, which explores the dark and often painful realities of an abusive relationship, has faced criticism for the way it has been promoted, with some accusing Lively and the film’s producers of trivializing the serious themes it addresses.
One of the most talked-about incidents occurred during the film’s press tour when Lively was asked how she would respond to fans who related to her character’s experience with abuse. Instead of offering support or resources for domestic violence victims, Lively responded with sarcasm, laughing at the idea of making herself available to fans for such discussions. This response sparked outrage, with many accusing her of being dismissive and insensitive to the film’s core message.
Further criticism arose from an interview Lively conducted with her co-stars Jenny Slate, Isabela Ferrer, and author Colleen Hoover. During the interview, the four women engaged in lighthearted banter, discussing topics like their dream jobs and zodiac signs, without once addressing the serious issue of domestic violence that is central to the film’s narrative. This omission did not go unnoticed, and Lively was heavily criticized on social media for failing to acknowledge the gravity of the film’s subject matter.
In response to the growing backlash, Lively later shared information about domestic violence and resources for victims on her Instagram account. However, for many, this gesture came too late and was seen as a half-hearted attempt to mitigate the damage already done.
Alexa Nikolas’ Fight for Justice: The Legal Battle and Its Aftermath
Alexa’s battle against Michael Milosh has been a long and arduous one. The lawsuit she filed in 2021 detailed years of alleged abuse, manipulation, and coercion. According to Alexa, Milosh’s actions began when she was still a minor and continued throughout their relationship, which eventually led to marriage in 2012. The lawsuit painted a picture of a young woman who was groomed and manipulated by an older, more powerful man, who used his influence and authority to control her.
In her lawsuit, Alexa claimed that Milosh “terrorized, sodomized, and abused” her, allegations that he vehemently denied. Milosh countersued, accusing Alexa of filing a frivolous lawsuit with no legal basis. He argued that her accusations were part of a vindictive campaign against him after he stopped financially supporting her. In interviews, Milosh maintained that while their marriage had its difficulties, the claims made by Alexa were false and hurtful. He described them as a “character assassination” and asserted that he was fully prepared to cooperate with any independent investigation into the matter.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the legal battle ended with Alexa voluntarily dropping her lawsuit in 2022. Milosh’s countersuit also did not succeed, and in February 2023, *Pitchfork* reported that the case was dismissed. However, the dismissal of the case did not mean the end of the public discourse surrounding the allegations. Alexa’s story continued to resonate with many, particularly those who have experienced similar forms of abuse and manipulation.
The Broader Implications: How Hollywood Handles Sensitive Issues
The controversy surrounding *It Ends With Us* and the inclusion of Milosh’s music raises important questions about how Hollywood handles sensitive issues like domestic violence. The film, which is based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, was expected to bring attention to the realities of abusive relationships and the complex emotions involved. However, the way the film has been promoted, combined with the choice to include music by an artist accused of abuse, has led to widespread criticism and disappointment.
Alexa Nikolas’ public condemnation of the film and its producers highlights the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in the entertainment industry, particularly when dealing with real-life issues that affect millions of people. The backlash against Blake Lively and the film’s team suggests that audiences are becoming increasingly critical of how such topics are portrayed and promoted in the media.
The Ongoing Fallout
As the controversy continues to unfold, the fallout from Alexa Nikolas’ accusations and the public’s response to *It Ends With Us* shows no signs of abating. The film, which was supposed to shed light on the issue of domestic violence, has instead become a flashpoint for discussions about accountability, sensitivity, and the role of entertainment in addressing serious social issues.
Blake Lively and the film’s producers are now facing intense scrutiny, not only for the content of the film but also for the way it has been promoted and the decisions made during its production. For Alexa Nikolas, the use of her alleged abuser’s music in the film is a deeply personal betrayal, one that has reignited painful memories and brought her struggle back into the public eye.
In a time when issues of abuse, consent, and power dynamics are increasingly at the forefront of public discourse, the controversy surrounding *It Ends With Us* serves as a reminder of the importance of careful consideration and respect for those who have lived through such experiences. As the debate continues, it will be crucial for those involved in the film and the broader entertainment industry to reflect on these issues and take meaningful steps to address the concerns raised by Alexa Nikolas and others who have spoken out.
