Superman Henry Cavill apologises for #MeToo comment after backlash
Henry Cavill
Cavill, who is currently on a promotional tour for his upcoming film 'The Mission Impossible - Fallout' with Tom Cruise, came under fire for saying that he’s scared to approach women for fear of 'being called a rapist or something'
On a promotional spree for his upcoming film with Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible- Fallout, Henry Cavill faced backlash for his #MeToo comment that was to the effect of how scared he is now to approach a woman or to flirt with her as he would be called “a rapist or something,” given the ongoing #TimesUp and #MeToo movements against sexual assaults on woman.
Best known for his role as superhero Superman in DC Comics films, Henry Cavill has now apologised for his remarks as he faced backlash on the social media.
In a statement, Henry was quoted in The Hollywood Reporter: “Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention. In light of this, I would just like to clarify and confirm to all that I have always and will continue to hold women in the highest regard, no matter the type of relationship, whether it be friendship, professional, or a significant other.”
He added, “Never would I intend to disrespect in any way, shape, or form. This experience has taught me a valuable lesson as to the context and the nuance of editorial liberties. I look forward to clarifying my position in the future toward a subject that is so vitally important and in which I wholeheartedly support.”
It all started with an interview with GQ Australia, in which Henry stated that the movement had scared him away from chasing and wooing women, and left him paranoid that because he’s in the public eye, he’s “going to be called a rapist or something.”
He was basically asked what he had learned from the #MeToo movement, to which he responded by saying that the industry will definitely have to change and that he’s never been around people who might have behaved inappropriately.
He went back to speak about the good old fashion of flirting and said, “There’s something wonderful about a man chasing a woman. There’s a traditional approach to that, which is nice. I think a woman should be wooed and chased, but maybe I’m old-fashioned for thinking that.”
He added, “It’s very difficult to do that if there are certain rules in place. Because then it’s like: ‘Well, I don’t want to go up and talk to her, because I’m going to be called a rapist or something.’ So you’re like, ‘Forget it, I’m going to call an ex-girlfriend instead, and then just go back to a relationship, which never really worked’. But it’s way safer than casting myself into the fires of hell, because I’m someone in the public eye, and if I go and flirt with someone, then who knows what’s going to happen? Now? Now you really can’t pursue someone further than, ‘No.’ It’s like, ‘O.K., cool.’ But then there’s the, ‘Oh why’d you give up?’ And it’s like, ‘Well, because I didn’t want to go to jail?’”