‘Never would I intend to disrespect in any way, shape or form’
The Times Up and Me Too movements have seen a wave of women coming forward to call out sexual harassment and abuse over the past year, as well as gender inequality and abuse of power as a whole.
Starting in Hollywood, both movements were prompted by the New York Times’ expose on disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein – now potentially looking at life in prison for his crimes. The movement has seen a host of high profile men accused of harassment and assault, in both recent and historic cases, leading the rest of Hollywood to stand with their female co-stars, raising awareness and donating the funds from their films to women's abuse charities.
There has of course been some backlash however, with Superman actor Henry Cavill being the latest high profile name to make a public apology after his comments about the movements were seen by some as controversial.
In an interview with GQ Australia, the 35-year-old seemed to suggest that post-Me Too movement, simply flirting with someone would be like 'casting [himself] into the fires of hell.'
'There's something wonderful about a man chasing a woman,' he explained. 'There’s a traditional approach to that, which is nice. I think a woman should be wooed and chased, but maybe I’m old-fashioned for thinking that.'
He continued: 'It’s very difficult to do that if there are certain rules in place. Because then it’s like "Well, I don’t want to go up and talk to her, because I’m going to be called a rapist or something", so you’re like "Forget it, I’m going to call an ex-girlfriend instead, and then just go back to a relationship which never really worked".'
'But it’s way safer than casting myself into the fires of hell, because I’m someone in the public eye, and if I go and flirt with someone, then who knows what’s going to happen?' he went on. 'Now? Now you really can’t pursue someone further than "No". It’s like "OK, cool". But then there’s the "Oh why’d you give up?" And it’s like "Well, because I didn’t want to go to jail".'
Following the explosive reaction to the article however, the actor released a statement to the Press Association, quick to clear up any misunderstandings.
‘Having seen the reaction to an article, in particular about my feelings on dating and the #MeToo movement, I just wanted to apologise for any confusion and misunderstanding that this may have created,’ the statement read. ‘Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention.’
He continued: ‘In light of this I would just like to clarify and confirm to all that I have always and will continue to hold women in the highest of regard, no matter the type of relationship whether it be friendship, professional, or a significant other. Never would I intend to disrespect in any way, shape or form.’
‘This experience has taught me a valuable lesson as to the context and the nuance of editorial liberties. I look forward to clarifying my position in the future towards a subject that is so vitally important and in which I wholeheartedly support.’
