Advertisement

Ben Affleck doesn't 'want to cash anymore cheques' from Weinstein

Ben Affleck is putting his money where his mouth is.

The actor has been under scrutiny in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, with many — including alleged Weinstein victim Rose McGowan — criticising his response to the allegations against the producer.

Affleck worked with Weinstein on his Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting and starred in a handful of Kevin Smith-directed movies while Weinstein ran Miramax. Smith revealed last month that he would be donating dividends from any Weinstein-backed films to the non-profit Women in Film, and it has inspired Affleck to follow suit.

Actor Ben Affleck attends the 'Justice League' photocall at The College on November 4, 2017 in London, England. Source: Getty
Actor Ben Affleck attends the 'Justice League' photocall at The College on November 4, 2017 in London, England. Source: Getty

“Once Kevin [Smith] suggested that, I decided to do the same thing," the Justice League star told Fox5. "So any further residuals that I get from a Miramax or a Weinstein movie will go either to F.I. or to RAINN."


In the powerful move, the charities the star has chose are Film Independent, a non-profit arts fund that champions the independent filmmaker, and America's largest anti-sexual violence organisation.

“I just didn’t want to cash any more cheques from the guy, you know?," Ben added in the statement.

Weinstein has been accused of sexual assault, harassment, and/or misconduct by more than 50 women; however, he has denied any allegations of nonconsensual sex.

Portrait of American film producer Harvey Weinstein as he attends the annual Appeal of Conscience awards dinner at the New York Hilton, New York, New York, September 18, 2017. Source: Getty
Portrait of American film producer Harvey Weinstein as he attends the annual Appeal of Conscience awards dinner at the New York Hilton, New York, New York, September 18, 2017. Source: Getty

Ben added that he hopes the charity move “catches on” but acknowledges it might not be possible for some working actors who aren’t as fortunate.

“Some people probably couldn’t afford to give all their residuals away," he said. "But even if you’re doing 10 percent, that’s something."

The actor is making the press rounds for Justice League, and sexual harassment in Hollywood has been a hot-button topic, especially now that Kevin Spacey and directors James Toback and Brett Ratner are facing allegations too.

Ben Affleck and Harvey Weinstein attend the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at Sunset Tower on February 24, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. Source: Getty
Ben Affleck and Harvey Weinstein attend the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at Sunset Tower on February 24, 2013 in West Hollywood, California. Source: Getty

It's not the actor's first comment on the Hollywood scandal that has shocked the world.

“I’m looking at my own behaviour and addressing that," the Batman v. Superman star told Associated Press. "And making sure I’m part of the solution.”

Shortly after Affleck condemned Weinstein’s alleged behavior (saying it made him “sick”) he too came under fire for questionable actions years ago.

The actor ended up apologising after a clip from 2003 resurfaced, showinghim groping One Tree Hill actress, Hilarie Burton’s breast on TV.

Affleck told the AP that two things need to happen to help change the culture in Hollywood.

One, “more women need to be pushed to power,” and second, he believes that sexual harassment must also be “a men’s issue,” where guys call out inappropriate behavior.

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram