Ben Affleck donating Weinstein residuals to charity, wants to be 'part of the solution'
Ben Affleck is putting his money where his mouth is. The actor has been under scrutiny in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, with many — including alleged Weinstein victim Rose McGowan — criticizing his response to the allegations against the producer.
Affleck worked with Weinstein on his Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting and starred in a handful of Kevin Smith-directed movies while Weinstein ran Miramax. Smith revealed last month that he would be donating dividends from any Weinstein-backed films to the nonprofit Women in Film, and it inspired Affleck to follow suit.
“Once Kevin [Smith] suggested that, I decided to do the same thing, so any further residuals that I get from a Miramax or a Weinstein movie will go either to F.I. or to RAINN. One is Film Independent, and the other is a women’s organization,” the Justice League star told Fox 5 DC. “I just didn’t want to cash any more checks from the guy, you know?”
Weinstein has been accused of sexual assault, harassment, and/or misconduct by more than 50 women; however, he has denied any allegations of nonconsensual sex.
Affleck added that he hopes the charity move “catches on” but acknowledges it might not be possible for some working actors who aren’t as fortunate. “Some people probably couldn’t afford to give all their residuals away, but even if you’re doing 10 percent, that’s something,” he said.
The actor is making the press rounds for Justice League, and sexual harassment in Hollywood has been a hot-button topic, especially now that Kevin Spacey and directors James Toback and Brett Ratner are facing allegations too.
When speaking to the Associated Press, the Batman v. Superman star said, “I’m looking at my own behavior and addressing that and making sure I’m part of the solution.”
Shortly after Affleck condemned Weinstein’s alleged behavior (saying it made him “sick”) he too came under fire for questionable actions years ago. The actor ended up apologizing after a clip from 2003 resurfaced, showing the Gigli star groping Hilarie Burton’s breast on TRL.
I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) October 11, 2017
Affleck told the AP that two things need to happen to help change the culture in Hollywood. One, “more women need to be pushed to power,” and second, he believes that sexual harassment must also be “a men’s issue,” where guys call out inappropriate behavior.
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