The past has come to haunt Ben Affleck after he responded to the ongoing issue of sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein. On Wednesday, the "Argo" star drew flak when he released a statement to condemn the producer for his alleged misconducts toward women over a period spanning about three decades.
The 45-year-old actor said he is "saddened and angry" that the movie mogul has taken advantage of his power and influence to "sexually harass and manipulate women" for a long time. He continued to criticize Harvey Weinstein for his "completely unacceptable" behavior and promised to do his part in making sure that this kind of incident does not happen to other women.
His response to the scandal earned mixed reactions from people on the internet. Some of them commended the actor for taking a stand, while others reminded him of a groping incident during his guest appearance on "Total Request Live" in 2003.
According to reports, the actor allegedly made advances toward Hilarie Burton, who was then 19 years old, during an interview for the MTV program. The "Naughty or Nice" star also broke her silence and assured everyone that she has not forgotten about the decade-old incident.
I didn't forget.
— Hilarie Burton (@HilarieBurton) October 10, 2017
Ben Affleck immediately apologized to Hilarie Burton for the inappropriate behavior. But despite owning up to his mistake, the actor was faced with yet another allegation when a video of his 2004 interview with Anne-Marie Losique resurfaced on the internet.
In the said clip, the actor was seen touching the host's hips, who was then seated on his lap. At some point, he even embraced her and complimented the Canadian TV personality for her looks.
"You usually show a lot more cleavage than this," the actor told the host. "That never stopped you before from getting them titties out.
Who are you trying to fool?"
💥Holy Guacamole Batman! There's more Ben Affleck in ANOTHER incident!
— Trump The Hill🏛 (@TrumpTheHill) October 11, 2017
💥Appears to dry hump a reporter and makes "cerebral palsy" gestures. pic.twitter.com/HWw5doErgU
John Mulaney's wife, Annamarie Tendler, has also come forward to demand an apology from Ben Affleck for allegedly making advances toward her at a Golden Globes party back in 2004.
She recounted the incident and claimed that actor cupped her bottom during their brief encounter at the event.
I was also at this party and *multiple* friends had this same exact experience. https://t.co/GlSIllKqAJ
— Jen Statsky (@jenstatsky) October 11, 2017
The father of three has yet to make a comment on the allegations. However, his estranged wife, Jennifer Garner, was reportedly annoyed when she learned about her former husband's controversy. A source told E! News that the "Alias" alum has doubled her effort to protect their children from the issue.
"She tries to shield them from any and all publicity and scrutiny. She's taking her kids to school and to all of their activities," it said. "As far as they know nothing has changed and all is well."