Ben Affleck apologizes for 'groping' MTV host in 2003
Hollywood star Ben Affleck has apologized after attracting backlash for groping an MTV presenter in 2003 on air. Affleck had condemned Harvey Weinstein, a Hollywood producer facing sexual assault allegations. This prompted a Twitter user to point out how Affleck "grabbed Hilarie Burton's breasts on TRL once" but "everyone forgot though." Burton replied: "I didn't forget." Affleck then apologized.
On October 9, prominent Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was fired by the board of his company after several young actresses accused him of sexual harassment. In a statement, the board of directors of the Weinstein Company said that the decision had been arrived at "in light of new information about misconduct." Weinstein had earlier apologized for causing a "lot of pain" to his colleagues.
Affleck tweeted: "I acted inappropriately toward Ms Burton and I sincerely apologize." A clip of the moment Affleck put his hand around Burton and groped her was recirculated. Another clip in which Burton recalled how Affleck proceeded "tweak my left boob" was also recirculated online. "Some girls like a good tweakage here and there," she had said. "I'd rather have a high five."
After being reminded of the incident, Burton tweeted that she was "a kid" when the groping incident took place. Burton said she "had to laugh back then so I wouldn't cry."
Affleck had posted a statement on the sexual harassment allegations against Weinstein. "I am saddened and angry that a man who I worked with used his position of power to intimidate, sexually harass and manipulate many women over decades," Affleck said. "We need to do better at protecting our sisters, friends, co-workers and daughters" and "ensure there are more women in positions of power."
