Ben Affleck made a pair of promotional appearances for his new film, “Justice League,’’ first on Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show’’ on Thursday, then with Savannah Guthrie on the “Today’’ show Friday. Both hosts asked the Cambridge native about Harvey Weinstein and sexual misconduct in Hollywood, and the public pledge Affleck made earlier this month to “be part of the solution.’’
With Guthrie, Affleck spoke about his first impressions of the disgraced film executive two decades ago.
“I knew he was sleazy and kind of a bully, but unfortunately that wasn’t that uncommon,’’ Affleck said. “I was brand new to Hollywood. I was 24 years old. I had never made a movie. I didn’t know much of anything, really.
He added, “It really is a shame, because although I stopped working with Harvey a long time ago, those movies hold a special place in my heart,’’ he continued. “To now look back on it and think, gosh, some other people were going through something really ugly and disturbing and difficult and terrible and terrifying while that was happening, the only thing I could think to do is to give my residuals from my Harvey movies to a couple of organizations that I think are making a difference and try to reconcile that.’’
Affleck previously announced that he will donate any future residuals from Miramax and Weinstein Company films to charity.
Guthrie also asked Affleck about actress Rose McGowan’s tweet, in which she called Affleck a liar in regards to what he knew about Weinstein’s actions.
“I don’t really want to get into other people’s individual stories because I feel like those are their stories and they are entitled to tell as much or as little of those as they want,’’ Affleck said. “I believe Rose. I support her. I really like and admire her tenacity, and I wish her the best.’’
With Colbert, Affleck addressed his apology to actress and former MTV host Hilarie Burton.
“There have been multiple accusations and revelations about various people . . . and you yourself have been accused of a few things, sexual impropriety,’’ Colbert said. “You’ve apologized for some of that.’’
“What I was accused of by a woman was of touching her breast while I gave her a hug,’’ Affleck said, without mentioning Burton’s name. “I don’t remember it, but I absolutely apologize for it. I certainly don’t think she’s lying or making it up. This is just the kind of thing that 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, I want to be part of the solution.’ ’’
Affleck did not mention the allegations leveled by makeup artist and author Annamarie Tendler, who on Oct. 11 tweeted that Affleck grabbed her butt at a 2014 Golden Globes party.
He also didn’t speak about actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who told The New York Times that when she was 22, Weinstein ended a work meeting by placing his hands on her and suggesting they go to his bedroom for massages. Matt Damon, Affleck’s friend and fellow actor, said he heard about Paltrow’s allegations against Weinstein from Affleck, who dated Paltrow in the 1990s. (Kevin Slane, Boston.com)
