Following a few days of silence, Ben Affleck spoke out on Tuesday about Harvey Weinstein.
The actor, who has worked many times in the past with the disgraced film producer, took to Facebook and wrote the following:
I am saddened and angry that a man who I worked with used his position of power to intimidate, sexually harass and manipulate many women over decades.
The additional allegations of assault that I read this morning made me sick. This is completely unacceptable, and I find myself asking what I can do to make sure this doesn’t happen to others.
We need to do better at protecting our sisters, friends, co-workers and daughters.
We must support those who come forward, condemn this type of behavior when we see it and help ensure there are more women in positions of power.
Many had been waiting to hear from Affleck (and Matt Damon) after Weinstein played a major role in their careers by producing Good Will Hunting.
Late last week, however, a bombshell report revealed that Weinstein has paid off eight women over the years in exchange for their silence regarding his alleged sexual misconduct.
Then, a follow-up report claimed Weinstein has actually raped multiple young actresses and associates.
He’s been fired from his company and his wife just announced she’s leaving him.
The reverberations extend far beyond just Weinstein, however, as his behavior with women has been an open secret in Hollywood for decades.
Who’s been helping him keep his horrible actions quiet? How deep does the cover-up go?
We may find out more each day, but Rose McGowan has been one of the few people leading the charge against Weinstein from the beginning.
She’s been outspoken on social media about his reputation and his inexcusable treatment of women… and now she’s here to call out Affleck.
Shortly after Affleck issued the statement above, McGowan responded on Twitter.
She flat out called Affleck a liar because she said she had a conversation with him many years ago in which she explained how Weinstein had sexually harassed her.
Affleck’s supposed response?
“Goddamnit! I told him to stop doing that.”
The actress says this interaction took place while she and Affleck were at a press conference in promotion of a movie they did together, one she was “made” to attend even after an “assault” at the hands of Weinstein.
McGowan concluded her Tweet in simple, straightforward fashion, by addressing Affleck with two damning words:
You lie.
Previously, McGowan called for all members of The Weinstein Company board to resign due to their silence over Weinstein’s treatment of women over the years.
She’s doing all she can to lead this fight and to expose the rampant sexism in Hollywood.
This is also known as doing the opposite of what Donna Karan is doing, as the fashion designer stepped into scalding hot water this week for suggesting Weinstein’s victims were to blame due to how they acted and dressed.
Will Affleck response to McGowan’s harsh assertion?
Will he have anything else to say on this controversial topic?
And what disturbing piece of information will we learn next about Harvey Weinstein and/or those who know him well?