On Tuesday, Ben Affleck joined the handful of Hollywood men who have spoken out against Harvey Weinstein, tweeting that he was “saddened and angry” to learn about the producer’s decades-long history of sexual harassment and abuse of women in Hollywood. But his words proved empty when Twitter user @ShaniceBrim tweeted that Affleck had groped “One Tree Hill” actress Hilarie Burton in 2003 during an interview on MTV’s “TRL,” adding that “Everyone forgot though.” In response, Burton tweeted, “I didn’t forget.”
I didn’t forget.
— Hilarie Burton (@HilarieBurton) October 10, 2017
Burton then shared a video clip from “TRL Uncensored,” showing the then 18-year-old actress saying, amid laughter, “He comes over and tweaks my left boob!”
Girls. I’m so impressed with you brave ones. I had to laugh back then so I wouldn’t cry. Sending love.
— Hilarie Burton (@HilarieBurton) October 11, 2017
On Wednesday, an additional “TRL” video clip surfaced, revealing more details: A producer describes seeing “a little squeeze,” and Burton says, “Some girls like a good tweakage here and there. I’d rather have a high five.”
Affleck has since apologized, tweeting “I acted inappropriately towards Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize.”
I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) October 11, 2017
Well, your word is shit now.