Ben Affleck Finally Addresses Hilarie Burton Groping Scandal: ‘I Absolutely Apologize’
Ben Affleck has finally addressed that Hilarie Burton groping scandal on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show, and his response shocked everyone!
The actor showed up to the show to promote his new film, Justice League, only to end up apologizing to women everywhere and speaking of his reaction to the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault drama!
“This is a comedy show, correct?” asked the star nervously before agreeing to answer the show host’s questions.
Speaking of his incident with Burton, 35, Affleck, 45, said: “I was accused by a woman, of touching her breasts while I gave her a hug. I don’t remember it, but I absolutely apologize for it. I certainly don’t think she’s lying or making it up.”
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As RadarOnline.com readers know, the actress bashed Affleck on Twitter for having grabbed her breast in 2003. Hours later, the actor wrote a public apology to the beauty, saying: “I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize.”
After Colbert, 53, asked Affleck how he believed the problem of sexual harassment in Hollywood could be fixed, the actor admitted that it all starts with men learning to be more “mindful” of their actions. “If I was ever part of the problem, I want to change and be part of the solution,” he continued, adding that he thought he had “a sense of the scope of the problem” but the truth is he really didn’t understand until recently – and most men feel the same way.
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“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,” said Affleck, concluding that the best thing one can do is “believe” the victims and help them feel safe enough to speak up.
He added that the next step is to educate men and create an atmosphere in Hollywood in which more women are empowered and feel that they have the opportunity to pursue their careers without having to deal with harassment.
Ben Affleck also said that after hearing about Harvey Weinstein’s alleged sexual misconduct, he decided to give back all of the residuals he received from Miramax films to the charities RAINN and Film Independent because he “didn’t want to cash a check from the guy.”
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