Ben Affleck starred as Holden McNeil in "Chasing Amy" where he shared the big screen with Jason Lee as Banky Edwards and Joey Lauren Adams as Alyssa Jones. The 1997 film directed by Kevin Smith revolved around the lives of two longtime friends who bumped into a lesbian comic book artist.
For the 20th anniversary of the romantic-comedy movie, the award-winning director graced the recent Outfest in Los Angeles where he talked about the indie film. Smith also revealed how Affleck and Lee struggled with their kissing scenes for the View Askewniverse series.
Critics react to 1997 comment
According to a Hollywood Life report, the "Argo" actor reportedly said that "a man kissing another man is the greatest acting challenge an actor can ever face." His statement was reported by PAPER magazine which caught the attention of the public including Evan Rachel Wood.
The actress and musician, who is an openly bisexual, shared the now-deleted post and criticized Affleck for a comment he made 20 Years ago. The actress, in a series of tweets, thought his statement was "damaging" and suggested that the actor should know better.
Also, you think us ladies like kissing all the guys we kiss? Just cause its a "straight kiss" doesnt mean we enjoy it. Ahem.
— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) July 18, 2017
Wood even addressed a user who slammed her for attacking the "Live By Night" actor.
Hey. I have been raped and came out with it publicly last year. Maybe you shouldnt throw stones in a glass house. https://t.co/X0MWXllOsH
— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) July 19, 2017
In 2016, the "Mildred Pierce" actress confessed she was sexually assaulted by a significant other during their relationship. Not only that, Wood opened up she was also raped by a bar owner on a separate occasion.
"I don't believe we live in a time where people can stay silent any longer. Not given the state our world is in with its blatant bigotry and sexism," she wrote.
Several users, however, thought it was wrong for Wood to attack Affleck for something he allegedly said two decades ago. A commenter fired back at the actress and asked that she should read the entire story before she gives her comments.
Did you even read the article? It was a quote that wasn't even said by Ben Affleck & was literally 20 f*cking years ago. You grow up. https://t.co/JG6eFhn3Eg
— JES @ #SDCC (@JesabelRaay) July 18, 2017
Evan Rachel Wood: *goes after Ben Affleck over something he said 20yrs ago, as if ppl don't change*
— Rigor Morton 💋🃏 🔪 (@WeirdNPissdOff) July 19, 2017
Also Evan: pic.twitter.com/CYKsy8qpYB
The controversy over Affleck's comments on his kissing scenes with "Chasing Amy" co-actor came a day after the "Justice League" alum received a Humanitarian Award at the Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala over the weekend.
Dude y'all are coming for Ben affleck for something he said 20 years ago y'all MUST be bored
— Raegan (@raegansmythe13) July 19, 2017
'Chasing Amy' director speaks up on issue
Smith, on the other hand, called out PAPER magazine for their story about his statements about Affleck.
The director emphasized that the comment was made in 1997 and added that there is no way that the actor still shares the same sentiment 20 years later.
I love your mag, but this is misleading & unfair Tweet copy. He SAID it in 1997 when he was in his goofy 20's. No way he STILL feels that. https://t.co/kS4RHuNYMz
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) July 18, 2017
The publication also released a statement regarding their story and admitted that the post was taken down because of its "misleading" content.
An earlier tweet promoting a post about statements Ben Affleck made in 1997 was deleted because the language of the tweet was misleading.
— PAPER Magazine (@papermagazine) July 19, 2017