He’s long been touted as one of Harvey Weinstein‘s original protegees and now Ben Affleck’s own questionable behaviour has come to light.
The 45-year-old star has issued an apology to One Tree Hill actress Hilarie Burton after footage surfaced of Ben groping her breasts during an appearance on MTV’s TRL show in 2003.
She was just 21 at the time of the assault.
“I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologise,” the Oscar award-winner penned on Twitter.
The disturbing video resurfaced after Ben slammed his colleague’s actions and insisted he had no idea Harvey was a predator.
“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,” Ben said in a statement.
“The additional allegations of assault that I read this morning made me sick.”
Weinstein and his production company championed Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s 1997 film Good Will Hunting and they have collaborated on several projects since.
Following Ben’s statement, fans were quick to remind him of the 2003 incident.
“He also grabbed Hilarie Burton’s breasts on TRL once. Everyone forgot though,” one user wrote.
This is the shocking moment Ben gropes Hilarie.
In a poignant reply, Hilarie simply responded: “I didn’t forget.”
“I’m so sorry that happened to you. It’s infuriating that people never bring up all the gross, predatory things he’s done,” the fan wrote back.
“Seriously, thank you for that. I was a kid,” Hilarie said.
The actress then posted a clip of the moment in which Ben “comes over and tweaks my left boob.”
He also asks her: “How old are you — 19?”
Since splitting with his wife Jennifer Garner, the father-of-three has embarked on a new relationship with Saturday Night Live producer Lindsay Shookus.
“I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologise.”
