Affleck is accused of groping actress and being ‘complicit’ over producer’s behaviour
BEN AFFLECK was yesterday dragged into the uncomfortable spotlight of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault scandal, with one actress accusing the Oscar-winning actor of groping her, and another alleging that Affleck covered up for Weinstein.
Affleck and Weinstein have a long history together: the producer gave Affleck and Matt Damon their big break when he backed their 1997 film Good Will Hunting, which won the pair their first Oscar. Criticism of the 45-year-old mounted as he failed to condemn Weinstein – only issuing a statement on Tuesday, five days after the initial report, to say he was “saddened and angry” about the allegations.
But in response one woman said on Twitter that Affleck had groped the host of MTV show TRL, during an appearance in 2003. “[Affleck] also grabbed Hilarie Burton’s breasts on TRL once. Everyone forgot though.” Burton replied: “I didn’t forget.”
The fan wrote in response: “I’m so sorry that happened to you. It’s infuriating that people never bring up all the gross, predatory things he’s done.”
Burton thanked the fan, adding
“Iwas a kid” when Affleck grabbed her breast. Video shows the aftermath of the encounter, with a flustered-looking Burton saying she normally prefers a high five to having her breast groped.
Separately, actress Rose Mcgowan – who is one of at least eight women to have received a settlement from Weinstein for sexual harassment – attacked Affleck, calling him a liar and claiming the actor knew of Weinstein’s behaviour but remained silent.
In 1997, Weinstein reached a $100,000 (£75,700) settlement with Mcgowan after an episode in a hotel room, according to The New York Times.
When Affleck tweeted his condemnation of Weinstein, Mcgowan replied: “@benaffleck ‘GODDAMNIT! I TOLD HIM TO STOP DOING THAT’ you said that to my face. The press conf I was made to go to after assault. You lie.”
She told the New York Times she was accusing Affleck of being complicit in Weinstein’s actions. Mcgowan also called out Affleck’s actor brother Casey, who was accused of sexual assault by two women on the set of the 2009 film I’m Still Here. Both suits were settled out of court. “Ben Affleck Casey Affleck, how’s your morning boys?” she tweeted. Last night Affleck tweeted: “I acted inappropriately toward Ms Burton and I sincerely apologise.”