Hilarie Burton says Ben Affleck 'groped' her when she was just 21
In a series of tweets, actress Hilarie Burton said Ben Affleck groped her while she was working as a host on the MTV show Total Request Live.
Burton, most notably known for her role in One Tree Hill, recapped the 2003 incident in response to Affleck’s condemnation of Harvey Weinstein.
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) October 10, 2017
On Tuesday, Affleck issued a statement on social media denouncing the actions of Weinstein, who produced his and Matt Damon’s breakthrough movie, Good Will Hunting. Many accused Affleck — though without evidence — of being aware of Weinstein’s proclivities and that it was an open secret.
Among the thousands of tweets, one person wrote, “He also grabbed Hilarie Burton’s breasts on TRL once. Everyone forgot though.”
Then Burton, who is now married to The Walking Dead star Jeffrey Dean Morgan, chimed in personally, saying: “I didn’t forget.”
Seriously, thank you for that. I was a kid.
— Hilarie Burton (@HilarieBurton) October 11, 2017
The fan replied, saying, “I’m so sorry that happened to you. It’s infuriating that people never bring up all the gross, predatory things he’s done.” Burton replied, “Seriously, thank you for that. I was a kid.” She later added, “’Girls. I’m so impressed with you brave ones. I had to laugh back then so I wouldn’t cry. Sending love.”
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
Burton, who was 21 at the time, also included a link to a video of the moment that exists online. On a subsequent clips show, TRL Uncensored II, Burton’s reaction to the incident was aired. “Girls like a good tweakage here and there,” she joked. “I’d rather have a high five.”
Burton isn’t the only celebrity to open up in the wake of the Weinstein rape and sexual harassment allegations. In the New York Times on Tuesday, actresses including Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow said they had been victims of Weinstein early on in their careers. Terry Crews also revealed that a “high-level” entertainment executive groped him.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Lena Dunham apologizes to Rose McGowan after she ‘missed the mark’ with Harvey Weinstein tweet
Donna Karan’s ‘horrible’ Harvey Weinstein defense harms humankind, according to experts
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