Ben Affleck Calls Handles The Sexual Misconduct Question Pretty Damn Well On Stephen Colbert's Late Show
Posted on Thu Nov 16th, 2017 9:58am PDT By X17 Staff
Ben Affleck was forced to confront sexual harassment allegations against him by Late Show host Stephen Colbert and because the Justice League star is so well-spoken, he came across not looking like an ass.
After being accused by One Tree Hill actress Hilarie Burton of having groped her on the 2003 set of TRL, Affleck has had to go on the defensive, but without accepting some responsibility. Here's what he told Colbert:
- "I thought I had a sense of the scope of the problem and I thought I understood it and the truth is, I really didn’t. I didn’t understand what it’s like to be groped, harassed, to be interrupted, talked over, paid less, pushed around, belittled — all the things that women deal with that for me, as a man, I had the privilege of not having to deal with.â€
“Part of this, for me, has been listening to people that I care about and love as they tell me stories of stuff that’s happened to them (this is men and women) and realizing this is a real thing. I’m not a spokesperson, I’m not a superhero, I can’t change it by myself. I can just be accountable for myself and for my actions."
He went on to say he wants to be part of the solution:
- "What I was accused of by a woman was touching her breast while I gave her a hug. I don’t remember it but I absolutely apologize for it,†Affleck said Thursday. “I certainly don’t think she’s lying or making it up. It’s just the kind of thing we have to — as men, I think, as we become more aware of this — be really, really mindful of our behavior and hold ourselves accountable. And say, ‘If I was ever part of the problem, I want to change and be part of the solution.’ â€
“I think the most important thing to do is support the voices coming forward, believe them, and create a business where more women are empowered and in place so less of this happens and so there is a way of reporting this stuff that people can feel safe doing."