Cavill in hot water over controversial #MeToo movement comments

Friday 13 July 2018

Jersey-born Superman star Henry Cavill found himself in hot water yesterday after stating that the #MeToo movement made him fear being labelled a “rapist” for approaching women.

In an interview with GQ Australia, the former St. Michael student commented that the international movement against sexual harassment, assault and rape had made it “very difficult” to flirt.

I think a woman should be wooed and chased,” he said, before adding that his view might be “old-fashioned.” 

“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 [that’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.”

The comments sparked uproar on social media.

This is absurd. If Henry Cavill doesn’t want to be called a rapist then all he has to do is... not rape anyone.

The mental gymnastics some men are doing to position themselves as “victims” of #MeToo is insane. pic.twitter.com/nafnZiaXGH

— Helen Price (@HelenRPrice) July 11, 2018

If you can't tell the difference between welcome flirting and harassment/assault, you have a big problem.

— Rachel Molnar (@Rachel_Mol) July 11, 2018

Stop trying to derail the conversation by claiming #MeToo wants to “stop men ever talking to women” or some bullshit. If you don’t know the difference between politely asking someone out and sexually harassing them, you have a serious problem.

— Helen Price (@HelenRPrice) July 11, 2018

Henry Cavill, why were you able to be diplomatic about Justice League but you couldn’t manage to not sound like a creep when talking about Me Too?

— (@PANlCOFGlRLS) July 11, 2018

The actor has since apologised.

He commented: “Having seen the reaction to an article, in particular about my feelings on dating and the [Me Too] movement, I just wanted to apologise for any confusion and misunderstanding that this may have created.

“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 of regard, no matter the type of relationship whether it be friendship, professional, or a significant other. 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 towards a subject that is so vitally important and which I wholeheartedly support.”