Superman star flies into storm over #Metoo comments
Henry Cavill criticised after lament that men are unable to pursue women further than when they say ‘No’
HENRY CAVILL, the British actor tipped to be the next James Bond, has claimed that the #Metoo movement means men can no longer chat up women in case they are branded as rapists. The Superman star also lamented the fact that “now you really can’t pursue someone further than ‘No’”.
Cavill’s comments were shared online and widely criticised. He later apologised “for any confusion and misunderstanding”, saying he had not intended to be insensitive.
Cavill was asked in an interview if the #Metoo movement and revelations about predatory Hollywood men had made him reflect on his own behaviour towards women. “There’s something wonderful about a man chasing a woman,” he told the Australian edition of GQ magazine. “There’s a traditional approach to that, which is nice. I think a woman should be wooed and chased, but maybe I’m old-fashioned for thinking that.
“It’s very difficult to do that if there are certain rules in place. Because then it’s like, ‘Well, I don’t want to go up and talk to her, because I’m going to be called a rapist or something.’ So you’re like: ‘Forget it, I’m going to call an exgirlfriend instead.’ Now you really can’t pursue someone further than ‘No’. It’s like: ‘OK, cool.’ But then there’s the: ‘Oh, why’d you give up?’ And it’s like: ‘Well, I didn’t want to go to jail.’”
The 35-year-old actor found fame in the television costume drama The Tudors, and became a Hollywood star when he was cast as Superman in the 2013 film Man of Steel.
Cavill narrowly missed out on the James Bond role that went to Daniel Craig, and has expressed an interest in taking the 007 job when Craig departs. His latest film is Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
Many women criticised Cavill’s comments, with one replying: “If you can’t tell the difference between welcome flirting and harassment/assault, you have a big problem.” Cavill later issued a statement that read: “Having seen the reaction to an article, in particular about my feelings on dating and the #Metoo movement, I just wanted to apologise for any confusion and misunderstanding that this may have created.
“Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention. I have always and will continue to hold women in the highest of regard. Never would I intend to disrespect in any way, shape or form. This experience has taught me a valuable lesson.”