Ben Affleck Is Grilled About His And Harvey Weinstein's Sexual Allegations, Becomes A PR Wizard
UPROXX – While most of Ben Affleck’s interview with Stephen Colbert was typical promotional material and fairly lighthearted, things change a bit once the host brings Harvey Weinstein into the chat. What he thought he had to do given his connection to the disgraced mogul, and the allegations that were made against him after the Weinstein scandal opened the flood gates. Things were a little awkward given Affleck’s proximity to the scandal, his possible knowledge of Weinstein’s behavior, and the voices that have spoken out about him in the weeks that followed. There was also the matter of the awkward joke he made about sexual harassment during a Justice League promotional event earlier in the week, another thing he addressed with Colbert. He avoids another during this interview, keeping his words focused on the allegations and believing the women speaking out:
“What I was accused of by a woman was of touching her breast while I gave her a hug. I don’t remember it, but I absolutely apologized for it. I certainly don’t think she’s lying or making it up. It’s just the kind of thing that we have to as men, 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.’ And to not shy away from these uncomfortable or awkward or strange encounters…I think the most important thing to do is to support the voices that are coming forward, believe them, and create a business where more women are empowered and in place so less of this happens. And so that there is a way of reporting this stuff so that people can feel safe doing it.”
Look, Ben Affleck is one charming fuck. There’s no denying that. You give him a platform, and he’s going to kill it no matter what. Even his seemingly scumbag characters can make his smug shit turn into pure gold. Remember in Gone Girl he was the most hated man in America for allegedly killing his wife? Tyler Perry (GREAT lawyer in that movie) was trying to hold him back from going on national TV to be crucified by the masses, but Affleck’s character said “I got this”…and BOOM! He’s America’s #1 accused murderer. Such a darling psychopath.
But the thing that resinates here is Affleck comes off as being…honest. No bullshit, no spin, no shying away from allegations. He simply says the reality of the situation and how he, and others should move on and make sure stuff like what went on in Hollywood (allegedly) and ESPN (allegedly, but These Guys Have All The Fun should be mandatory reading in all classrooms). He also said he’s giving up money earned now from earlier Weinstein flicks Good Will Hunting, Chasing Amy, and Shakespeare In Love. A billionaire giving up residuals from his earliest movies that earn fractions of a Rupee compared to his DC money may seem like a trite offer, but it’s something.
Annnnnddddd then you realize the true genius of a charming, PR master at work on Colbert as opposed to when he’s riffing off guard. Here’s Ben talking about the Justice League movie and alluding to “What’s going on in the news”:
Granted, I’m an idiot and don’t even get the attempted joke or connection. And maybe people are taking it too harsh. But just a thought: Don’t ever allude to “What’s going on in the news” at all when you’ve been accused of becoming The Buttman. And especially don’t do it with a smile on your face. The Internet is a vicious beast in which there is no escape: