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Ben Affleck knew Harvey Weinstein 'was sleazy, bully'

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ANI New Delhi [India]
Last Updated : Nov 18 2017 | 5:02 AM IST

Ben Affleck has admitted that he knew Harvey Weinstein was "sleazy and a bully."

The 45-year-old actor, who stopped by the Today show to promote his new film 'Justice League,' addressed the elephant in the room, saying that he knew Weinstein abused his power from the very beginning.

"I knew he was sleazy and kind of a bully, but unfortunately that wasn't uncommon," the 'Argo' director admitted. "I was brand new to Hollywood . I was 24 years old. I never made a movie and didn't know much of anything, really."

With more than 80 women accusing Weinstein of sexual harassment and assault, Affleck, who has worked with the disgraced mogul on films like 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'Good Will Hunting,' maintains he would like to be "part of the solution."

"And, you know, it really is a shame because although I stopped working with Harvey a long time ago, those movies hold a special kind of place in my heart and to now look back on it and think like, 'Gosh, some other people were going through something really ugly and disturbing [experiences],'" he said.

Moreover, Affleck, who believes the country has reached a turning point where "survivors are finding their voice," pledged to give his residual checks for the movies he made with Weinstein to anti-sexual violence organizations.

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He also spoke about actress and Weinstein accuser Rose McGowan, who claimed she told Affleck about the alleged assault.

"I don't really want to get into other people's individual stories because I feel like those are their stories and I feel they are entitled to tell as much or as little of those as they want," he noted. "I believe Rose, I support her, I really like and admire her tenacity and I wish her the best."

As allegations of sexual misconduct continue to mount against several Hollywood heavyweights, including Kevin Spacey, Jeffrey Tambor, Louis C.K. and, most recently, Sylvester Stallone, Affleck has tried to own up to his own past misdeeds.

He apologized to former 'One Tree Hill' star Hilarie Burton in October, after the actress claimed he had groped her during a 2003 appearance on the show.

"I acted inappropriately towards Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize," Affleck tweeted at the time.

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First Published: Nov 18 2017 | 4:53 AM IST

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