When the New York Times revealed last week that Harvey Weinstein had preyed on numerous women in Hollywood over the past few decades, it wasn’t a shock to everyone. His behavior was reportedly well known by many in his circle, including, possibly, Ben Affleck.
Actress Rose McGowan worked with Affleck in 1997’s “Going All the Way” and 1998’s “Phantoms.” She allegedly told Affleck that Weinstein had acted inappropriately with her. In 1997, Weinstein reached a $100,000 settlement with McGowan over an incident that occurred in his hotel room during the Sundance Film Festival.
Weinstein was instrumental in helping Affleck with his career by working with him and Matt Damon on “Good Will Hunting” in 1997. After hearing about the allegations against Weinstein, Affleck tweeted that he was “saddened and angry” about it. He said in a statement: “I find myself asking what I can do to make sure this doesn’t happen to others.”
McGowan was stunned by his tweet. She responded: “‘GODDAMNIT! I TOLD HIM TO STOP DOING THAT’ you said that to my face. The press conf I was made to go to after assault. You lie.”
McGowan then confirmed to the New York Times that Affleck knew about Weinstein’s behavior because she revealed it to him. She called Affleck a liar because in his tweet it did not appear as though he was aware of Weinstein’s actions.
Affleck’s statement about Weinstein has also turned the scrutiny towards him. A fan tweeted: “[Affleck] also grabbed Hilarie Burton’s breasts on TRL once. Everyone forgot though.”
Burton tweeted in a response, “I didn’t forget.”
On Wednesday, Affleck tweeted an apology to actress Burton after groping her in 2003. He wrote: “I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize.”
After the New York Times piece came out, McGowan told the Hollywood Reporter: “Men in Hollywood need to change ASAP. Hollywood’s power is dying because society has changed and grown, and yet Hollywood male behavior has not. It is so not a good look. The men of Hollywood need to know they own no woman. The days of Entourage-like behavior and thinking is as dated as your largely bro nature.
